It starts subtly. One day, you notice your child stacking their snack crackers into a precise, load-bearing structure instead of simply eating them. Another day, they spend hours rearranging LEGO pieces until their tower meets an unspoken structural integrity requirement. And then, before you know it, they’re explaining to their grandparents why the bridge in their toy train set needs additional lateral support.
At this point, it’s time to face the truth: You may be raising an engineer.
But how can you know for sure? While engineering isn’t for everyone, certain telltale signs suggest your child is on the path to a lifetime of problem-solving, tinkering, and explaining basic physics to people who didn’t ask. Here are some key indicators.
1. Their Favorite Word Is “Why?”
If your child questions everything – why the sky is blue, why bridges don’t fall down, why the Wi-Fi is slow – they may already be thinking like an engineer. Engineers are wired to seek explanations for the world around them, a trait that can be both charming and exhausting. According to a study on STEM learning, students who develop strong inquiry-based learning habits early are more likely to pursue careers in engineering and science (source).
2. They Take Things Apart, & Even Sometimes Put Them Back Together
A classic engineering trait is the irresistible urge to deconstruct household items. If you’ve ever caught your child dismantling a toaster to “see how it works,” you might be looking at a future mechanical engineer. While this tendency might alarm parents, it actually demonstrates an intuitive grasp of problem-solving and systems analysis—key skills for engineers (source).
3. They Love Building—And Overbuilding
If your child’s LEGO structures include support beams, redundancies, and even safety exits, they’re demonstrating early engineering instincts. Structural analysis isn’t just for professionals – it’s a skill that naturally develops in young builders. Research suggests that students who engage in spatial reasoning activities, like block building, perform better in STEM fields later in life (source).
4. They Excel in Math and Science (Or at Least Find Them Fascinating)
Not all engineers are straight-A students in math and science, but a natural interest in numbers, formulas, and the mechanics of the physical world is a strong indicator. Studies show that high school students who perform well in advanced math courses are significantly more likely to pursue engineering degrees (source). If your child is solving algebraic equations for fun, you may want to start looking at engineering schools now.
5. They Get Frustrated with Inefficiency
Engineers have an innate desire to optimize everything. If your child insists on a better way to load the dishwasher, a more efficient route for grocery shopping, or a redesign of the family schedule, they might be practicing systems engineering without even realizing it. The ability to recognize inefficiencies and improve processes is a hallmark of successful engineers (source).
6. They Enjoy Problem-Solving Challenges
Puzzles, logic games, and brain teasers attract future engineers like moths to a flame. Studies indicate that children who engage in logic-based problem-solving activities are more likely to develop the analytical skills required for engineering (source). If your child prefers Sudoku over socializing, their future may involve a lot of blueprints and CAD software.
7. They Show Interest in Coding and Technology
With the rise of STEM education, many young engineers gravitate toward programming, robotics, and electronics. High school students who participate in STEM extracurriculars, such as robotics clubs or coding competitions, are more likely to pursue careers in engineering (source). If your child has built their own video game or automated their bedroom lights, consider this an early internship in electrical engineering.
8. They Think Engineers Are Cool (Yes, Really)
While engineering might not have the same pop-culture appeal as being a rock star, young aspiring engineers often admire famous inventors, NASA scientists, or even the engineers who design roller coasters. A strong role model in STEM fields can greatly influence career choices – especially when kids realize that engineers quite literally shape the modern world (source).
So, What’s Next?
If you’ve read this list and found yourself nodding at every point, congratulations! Your child may be destined for a career in engineering. Encourage their curiosity, provide hands-on learning opportunities, and support their growing love for problem-solving. Whether they end up designing bridges, programming AI, or working on renewable energy solutions, the world needs more engineers.
And if you’re looking for inspiration, firms like BFW/Marcum provide real-world examples of how engineers make a difference. From designing innovative infrastructure to solving complex facility challenges, engineers are at the heart of progress. Who knows? Maybe one day, your child will be part of the next generation shaping the future of engineering.
Recent Comments