Flag as Not Acceptable?
We review flagged content and enforce our Terms of Use, in which content must never be:
- Profane or sexually explicit
- Disrespectful or abusive
- Infringing of copyright
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...
Ask or Answer
What Do You Say?
Add a Question or Write an Answer
Parents: Ask a question or write an answer
What are some ways I can get my kid to stop asking why?
Here are some strategies that you can use for that ueber-curious child.
* Don't give silly answers, unless you want them to be entertained. If they're entertained, they'll just keep asking questions.
* Don't give sarcastic answers. This will teach them something you'll regret later.
* Do give honest answers, including when you don't know the answer.
* Give the longest, most involved and technical answer you can manage. If they're truly curious, then they'll be interested and they might learn something. If they're just seeking attention, then they'll get bored and stop asking questions.
* There's also the time-tested, never-fail answer for when kids ask, "Why?" ... "Because I said so." Get's 'em every time. (Especially when they are asking why the sky is blue.)
* Turn the question around and ask, "Why do you think...?" It encourages him to participate in the conversation and you might find that all he wanted in the first place was a chance to talk.
*When I have discussed all the details I answer them with a cheerful, "Z" - Z comes after Y so then it is a lesson in the alphabet!
Is there anything going on developmentally that causes this rush of "why-ing"?
Add A Resource
Helpful Resources
Philosphy for kids
This book is too old for toddlers, but it's a fun idea
June 26, 2007
Not Acceptable?
Add Your Story
Tell Your Story
The perfect answer
I have twins so when one starts with the "Why," the other one gets going too. Oy! At first I gave them all my attention and tried answer them in a really thoughtful way, but that just got them going more -- of course, usually it's the... read morepeppering mommy with questions...
Both of my girls, 6 and 10, have always asked nonstop questions. At first, I felt compelled to answer everything with a full-blown response. After all, they are trying to learn... and I have the answers! (Or so I would have them believe.) Yes, after a while my brain was no longer my own.... read more
 |
 |
ParentPedia contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of ParentPedia, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.
The contents of ParentPedia are intended for educational purposes only. Such contents are not intended to, and do not, constitute medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on information presented on ParentPedia is at your own risk.
Thank You!
Thank you for helping us maintain a friendly, high quality community at Family.com. This comment will be reviewed by a community moderator.
January 26, 2008
Sometimes kids know why!
One sunny day our daughter was playing in the back yard and took notice of a butterfly that was visiting the flower bed. Whenever she approached the butterfly, it would flit away and find another spot to land (but didn't leave the yard... read moreNot Acceptable?