Questions...QuestionsThey show our quest for finding out more......about ourselves and our world.
First, Find Out SpecificsAs a parent, your task will be easier when you ask questions that are specific:"Who put the empty milk jug back in the refrigerator?” “What did you feed the dog for dinner?” "Why?"Think about the times that you’ve asked the question WHY? Usually it goes something like this:Parent: WHY did you hit your brother?! Child: “I don’t know.” OR Parent: WHY did you do that?! Child: “Because I wanted the toy and…and…” When you ask the question WHY? you'll get either no answer at all or more answer than you want, which usually includes some sort of story or justification of action. It rarely leads to any conclusion or resolution. So, re-frame your question and avoid asking WHY.
Make Requests as a QuestionOur brains are designed to race for an answer when we’re asked a question. Rather than repeating, repeating, repeating…ask a question!
Too Much Information!Often a child will ask questions that may seem, on the surface, to be asking for a complex scientific explanation.“Why is the sky blue?” Children do not yet have the mental capacity to understand long-winded, scientific answers to the question "Why does...? Giving a picture image that they can relate to is more effective and a short answer is best. And...if you’re stumped for an answer, join your child in their wonder:
And...Take Heart…Its been said that a 4-year old asks about 400 questions a day!But Have No Fear...This Too Shall Pass!Return to Parent Communication - "Parent-ese!"
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