We All Began as Babies...

          I started my lifelong learning journey in the usual way; I was born. If there is one thing that can be certain, babies are autodidacts by nature. It is only through repeated correction that we teach them not to be. To be sure, babies and children must be protected from the dangers of the world that they seek to explore, but I firmly believe that these little scientists must be given as much leeway as possible to experience the world.

          On the other hand, mentoring is fundamental to learning and growing, at any age. The style of mentoring indubitably depends on the circumstances, and the child (or individual of any age, really). A primary method, and one that has greater effects than many understand, is providing a model for the individual to assimilate. 

          As an example, when the child grows up watching you read, being listened to by you, and observing your patience, it is likely that the child will be a reader, listen to you, and  learn patience. It is much more important to show the child what good behavior is by demonstrating than it is to constantly bombard them with diatribe...