Why do children like to ask 'why'?

Answering the same question over and over again can be frustrating for most people. But there are important developmental milestones that explain why young children love asking "why."

 

 

If you've ever spent time with a preschooler , you're probably familiar with the myriad of common why questions, such as: "Why is the sky blue?" "Why do dogs bark?" "Why can't I have cookies for breakfast?".

Before you can even finish one question, they're already on to the next. It's adorable. until you've answered question 107 in an hour. That's right, one study found that children between 14 months and 5 years old can ask an average of 107 questions an hour.

So what's behind children's obsession with asking "why"?

 

Forming new connections

Around age 2 or 3, children's brains begin to make new connections at a rapid pace. They're piecing together the puzzle pieces to understand how the world works—and once they know that adults can provide the information they want on demand, they'll rely on that.

Asking 'why' helps children connect cause and effect – something they start learning at a very young age. Each answer you give builds another block in the Lego tower in their mind.

The importance of children's why questions

Parents sometimes assume that children ask "why" questions just to get attention. But psychologists say there's more to it than that. Children are actually trying to understand the world, and your explanations give them comfort.

Think about it: for most people, knowing what's going to happen next makes them feel less anxious. It's the same for children. By asking "why," they're learning to predict what's going to happen in their ever-expanding little universe; this helps them feel more secure and confident.

Sometimes, 'why' isn't really about the answer. It's about sharing excitement. If a child sees a butterfly and asks, 'Why is it orange?' they may have a hypothesis. But really, they're saying, ' I find this interesting, do you find it the same? '

 

How to deal with children who keep asking "why"

Constantly asking questions can be exhausting. But it's also a sign of a healthy, curious, and imaginative mind at work. That back-and-forth helps build self-esteem.

Instead of shutting down a never-ending stream of questions, try prompting your child to come up with the answers themselves. A simple question like, " Tell me, " or " Why do you think? " can help your child come up with an explanation.

Be mindful of your tone and body language—while answering the same question over and over again can be frustrating, you don't want to discourage your child's curiosity. If you really need a break, you can always tell your child that you'll get back to him or her later.

If you happen to come across a question that leaves you stumped, you can take it as an opportunity to learn something new together.