Littlebits Founder: Want Kids Excited About STEM? Make Sure Parents Aren't Intimidated. Ayah Bdeir thinks that parents are key advocates to learning more about technology.
By Nina Zipkin
Much has been written about how to get kids excited about science and technology. But for LittleBits founder and CEO Ayah Bdeir, it all starts with the parents.
"I think part of the challenge is that sometimes engineering is intimidating to the parents who themselves don't consider themselves tech savvy or inventors," says Bdeir.
To this end, her company makes products that are gender neutral and age agnostic. Features like clear, easy-to-follow instructions help demystify technology for parents. When a project is easy to complete, parents can have a sense of accomplishment and are more excited to put together another kit -- either alone or with their kids. Says Bdeir, "Sometimes you have to get the parents more comfortable."
For more from Bdeir on getting kids more interested in technology, check out the video above.
Related: Tour LittleBits, the Store for Inventors of All Ages