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Parentpedia
Asking Why
What Experts Say
"Why are we getting into the car?" "Why are we going to the grocery store?" "Why is all the food kept at the grocery store?" "Why do people use money to buy things?" There's no questioning when your preschooler hits the inquisitive "why" stage.
As you hear that word -- all day long -- you may start asking yourself if you really need to answer every single question. You don't want to squelch a child's inquisitive nature and excitement to learn, but you can set boundaries, says Kathryn Sansone, also known as the "Shape-Up Mom." The mother of 10 children, Sansone is the author of "Woman First, Family Always."
As a general rule, answer the child's initial question and if the follow-up question involves more detail, continue explaining within reason. Don't allow the child to continually ask empty "why" questions. You might redirect the child by asking her other "W" questions -- who, where, when? -- on the same topic to add texture to the conversation.
"There are times when all 10 of my children and their friends are asking questions at the same time, oftentimes the same questions," says Sansone. This is when limiting the amount of questions you will answer in a short period of time can help you stay patient while still validating your child's curiosity.
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