History is important, whether you’re studying world events in a textbook or artifacts at a local museum. Informing kids about the past helps them understand the present and future, and it’s a topic all ages can benefit from. Here are four reasons to begin your child’s historical studies.

Why Kids Should Explore History

1. Learn From Mistakes

Unfortunately, there were many tragic events in history, but ignoring them is never wise. Learning about devastating times helps children develop empathy for others’ struggles. It also teaches people how to avoid tragedy again so history does not repeat itself. One such period is World War II and the Holocaust, where prejudices and fear caused hysteria and tragedy around the world. 

2. Understand More

When kids study history, whether at home or at a museum, they’re exposed to a variety of topics, people, and events. The more they know, the more they’ll understand when they hear references to these concepts. For example, study medical history to show how technology helped refine surgeries and let researchers develop better medication to extend our lifespan. Show them historical figures like Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin, without whom we’d have no lightbulbs or movies. Introduce them to philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato, so they understand the theories of human behavior.

3. Boost World Awareness

History expands children’s world awareness. They learn to see beyond their corner of the universe and become more willing to explore other countries and cultures in the process. Not only does this increase their intelligence, but it also teaches them how to be accepting of other people and places.

4. Develop Perspective

It’s developmentally appropriate for children to have no perspective other than their own, which is why they’ll often get upset over minor incidents. A regular museum visit will show children what others face or have faced in their daily lives. Show them a Civil War exhibit, for example, so they can understand the effects of slavery in our own country and how the U.S. was divided. This can help them put their trials into perspective and be more sympathetic to others.

Located in Memphis, TN, the Pink Palace Family of Museums offers an array of historical exhibits to help your children broaden their horizons. Their locations feature a nature center, historic houses, museum exhibits, 3-D theater, and a planetarium, so visitors of all ages can learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. For more information, call (901) 636-2362. Visit them online to explore current exhibits.