Of course you don’t have all the answers, but suddenly your little one has all the questions. It never ends, so how do you handle it? Here are some tips.
Not all kids wake up one day and start asking “why?” until you feel like running away screaming. Many do, though. It can start around age two and continue until they are five.
WHY?
If you’re wondering why this happens, you’re not alone. The obvious answer would be that young kids become curious about all the new things they see almost every day. But part of the explanation is also that they’re trying to control a conversation. They ask the simple question because they don’t have the language skills yet to ask a complicated one.
A study done by the University of Michigan in the US found that children start taking a more active role in learning around age three. This is a good thing since it’s the beginning of critical thinking, which is important in education and everyday life. So responding to “why” in the right way is equally important.
Some studies show that children as young as three can understand cause and effect. So they’re asking questions because they’re now able to learn how things work and why they happen.
This is one of your earliest chances to teach your child about the world. Giving an informative answer, according to a 2009 study published in Child Development, is more likely to satisfy toddlers or to prompt them to ask new questions.
Related article: Boost your child’s learning
WHY?
If you’re wondering why this happens, you’re not alone. The obvious answer would be that young kids become curious about all the new things they see almost every day. But part of the explanation is also that they’re trying to control a conversation. They ask the simple question because they don’t have the language skills yet to ask a complicated one.
A study done by the University of Michigan in the US found that children start taking a more active role in learning around age three. This is a good thing since it’s the beginning of critical thinking, which is important in education and everyday life. So responding to “why” in the right way is equally important.
Some studies show that children as young as three can understand cause and effect. So they’re asking questions because they’re now able to learn how things work and why they happen.
This is one of your earliest chances to teach your child about the world. Giving an informative answer, according to a 2009 study published in Child Development, is more likely to satisfy toddlers or to prompt them to ask new questions.
Related article: Boost your child’s learning
HOW TO RESPOND
If you don’t answer, chances are that your children will ask again and again, getting louder all the time. That’s reason enough to respond. If you’re busy with something important, a good way out is to ask kids what they think. They might come up with an answer that satisfies them, for now.
Replying with open-ended questions such as “why do you think dogs can’t fly?” will encourage them to think. With an older child, you might suggest that you look up the answer together. This is a good bonding moment and can also make the child feel empowered.
Some questions will be difficult or awkward: steel yourself for tricky subjects such as sexuality, race or situations at home. Try to stay calm, first of all, and be honest. You don’t have to tell the whole truth, but it is best not to lie.
If a child often asks about the same topic, it’s probably a sign of genuine interest. Let these questions lead you to topics that will really stimulate and engage your child.
Related article: 7 lessons we can learn from our children
ADMIT YOU DON’T KNOW
If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to say you don’t know. In fact, it teaches your child a valuable lesson: the questions and the learning never stop, also for adults.
Even when the “why" leads to crazy conversations that are half fairy tale and half real world, you are strengthening your relationship with your child. Don’t get frustrated or irritated (or at least don’t show it if you do). A warm, welcoming tone will prove to children that they are always welcome to talk to you about anything. You’ll be open to hear their ideas, discuss their problems and allay their fears.
Whatever information you share with young children will stick, as will the memory of a parent who was there to support and encourage them. What they wants most of all, is a connection with the most important people in their life.
Related article: Why child’s play is so important
Sources: https://www.oviahealth.com, https://elisabethmcknight.com, https://www.kindercare.com, https://www.summitkids.com, https://www.todaysparent.com, https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org, https://selfsufficientkids.com
If you don’t answer, chances are that your children will ask again and again, getting louder all the time. That’s reason enough to respond. If you’re busy with something important, a good way out is to ask kids what they think. They might come up with an answer that satisfies them, for now.
Replying with open-ended questions such as “why do you think dogs can’t fly?” will encourage them to think. With an older child, you might suggest that you look up the answer together. This is a good bonding moment and can also make the child feel empowered.
Some questions will be difficult or awkward: steel yourself for tricky subjects such as sexuality, race or situations at home. Try to stay calm, first of all, and be honest. You don’t have to tell the whole truth, but it is best not to lie.
If a child often asks about the same topic, it’s probably a sign of genuine interest. Let these questions lead you to topics that will really stimulate and engage your child.
Related article: 7 lessons we can learn from our children
ADMIT YOU DON’T KNOW
If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to say you don’t know. In fact, it teaches your child a valuable lesson: the questions and the learning never stop, also for adults.
Even when the “why" leads to crazy conversations that are half fairy tale and half real world, you are strengthening your relationship with your child. Don’t get frustrated or irritated (or at least don’t show it if you do). A warm, welcoming tone will prove to children that they are always welcome to talk to you about anything. You’ll be open to hear their ideas, discuss their problems and allay their fears.
Whatever information you share with young children will stick, as will the memory of a parent who was there to support and encourage them. What they wants most of all, is a connection with the most important people in their life.
Related article: Why child’s play is so important
Sources: https://www.oviahealth.com, https://elisabethmcknight.com, https://www.kindercare.com, https://www.summitkids.com, https://www.todaysparent.com, https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org, https://selfsufficientkids.com
HOW TO MAKE IT THROUGH YOUR TODDLER'S 'WHY' PHASE
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
May 06, 2022
Rating:
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
May 06, 2022
Rating:
