“Why?” “Why??” “WHY???” The countless “whyzz” of childhood have tried the patience of adults throughout the ages. But asking “why” is one of the most important strategies children have for connecting with their caregivers and learning about the world around them.
Though the question seems simple on the surface, it is anything but. “Why” has different meanings for children of different ages whose motivations for asking may be very different. In many instances, “why” does not mean why at all. Often what it really means is, “Now that’s interesting! Let’s investigate it together.”
Because of this, an adult’s most effective response across a wide range of ages and situations is often quite simply, “That’s a good question. Why do you think?”
For young children whose verbal skills are just developing, “why” may be the first and only question they are capable of forming. “Why questions” give us insight into what they are thinking about. To be sure, two- and three-year-olds want answers. “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do birds sing?” ”Why do I have to go to bed?” However, “just the facts” will seldom satisfy a child’s curiosity. What adult hasn’t had the exasperating experience of providing a detailed explanation only to have a child respond with, “But why?” Much more satisfying for a child is the chance to explore an idea with an attentive adult. “That’s a great question! Why do you think you have to go to bed?”
Cognitive skills grow rapidly during childhood. “Why” is how children discover how the world works. From a child’s viewpoint, the journey of discovery is pure delight and the foundation upon which much learning occurs. While answering children’s questions directly may provide basic information, actively engaging with children in the discovery process is a chance to step into their world. Not only does it foster the development of critical thinking skills, but it promotes child-adult communication and bonding. There is little as wonderful to a child as the attention of a caring adult who is genuinely interested in what he or she has to say. “Why do you think it’s so cold in winter?” “Why do you think dinosaurs became extinct?” “Why do you think you have to wear a bike helmet?”
