Six Ways to Nurture Your Little Inventor

often, I get an email from a parent that goes like this:

 “I ordered your book after my 6-year-old daughter started making "drawings" for a grass spreading machine.  She came to me with her drawing (and rationale), and I realized I didn't know what to do with her design.  I bought your book hoping to continue to support her passion - and now she is hooked! She came back with a revised version using the template you provided at the back of the book.  She was really inspired by your biography and your story! What do you suggest I do when she comes to me with an idea?”

Here’s what I told her.

1. Gift your little inventor an "invention" notebook.

It can be a “special” notebook that you or your child pick up from the store. Encourage him/her to identify problems to solve in the world and draw and name her inventions. Children can keep their ideas “safe” in their special Invention Notebook.

2. Introduce your child to other kid inventors.

Show your child that he/she does not have to become a grown-up to earn his/her first patent. Here are a few examples: 

• Marrisa Streng was 9 years old when she invented Puff-And-Fluff

• Ella Casano was 11 years old when she invented the Medi Teddy

• Whenever I come across a kid inventor's story, I post it on the Abby Invents Instagram page or my Facebook page. 

3. Let your child see that his/her ideas can become real!

Have your child submit his/her ideas to https://kidsinventstuff.com/. One of the engineers there may build his/her invention in real life.

4. Apply for a patent.

Check out the USPTO Patent Pro Bono program.

5. Join a summer camp for inventors.

Sign up for Camp Invention

6. Keep reading Abby Invents Unbreakable Crayons, and Abby Invents The Foldibot.

Each read may inspire your little inventor even more. Grab your signed copies of Abby Invents at abbyinvents.com.