Every question a child asks opens a door. When your child asks “Why?” for the hundredth time, here’s how to answer, even when you don’t know.
Why is the sky blue? Where do worms sleep? Why can’t I have cookies for breakfast? Kids ask a lot of questions, and some days it’s a lot. But each question is your child reaching out to learn about the world, with you.
What it means for your child
Questions change as children grow, and each age asks in its own way.
- Babies: Before words, they ask with their eyes and hands. They point, reach and look at you. When you name what they point at, you’re answering.
- Toddlers: “What’s that?” is the big question now. Name things, and ask them back: “What do you think it is?”
- Preschoolers: This is the age of “Why?” Give a short answer, then ask what they think. Their ideas can be wonderful.
- School-age kids: Big kids ask harder questions about how things work, about people and about fairness. It’s okay to say, “Great question. Let’s look it up.”
Try this tonight
Tonight, turn one question into a little adventure.
- Think of one question your child asked today, or ask, “What do you wonder about?”
- If you don’t know the answer, say, “Let’s find out together.”
- Look it up in a book or online with them, and talk about what you found.
Words you can use
- “What a great question!”
- “I don’t know. Let’s find out together.”
- “What do you think?”
At Nana’s Place
Our Peoria and Northern buildings in Glendale care for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, day, evening and overnight. Curious kids are welcome here. If you have questions of your own, book a tour and ask us in person.
Questions parents ask
How do I answer my toddler’s endless “why” questions?
Keep answers short and simple. When you run out of answers, turn it around: “Why do you think?” It’s okay to say, “Let’s talk about it later,” too.
What if my child asks something I don’t want to answer yet?
It’s okay to say, “That’s a big question. Let me think about it, and we’ll talk tonight.” Then follow up, so they know questions are welcome.
Every question is a tiny step, and today’s tiny steps are tomorrow’s big adventures. Some kids ask more than others, and that’s fine, because every child blooms in their own time.
