Toddlers are always asking questions.
They’ll turn just about anything into a question including the most famous one they ask—”Why?“.
Now it is time for us to ask why they love this question so much.
Curiosity
Curiosity is often the instigator behind a slew of ‘why’ questions.
Toddlers are having new experiences every day; so, there is no wonder they are curious about all of it.
If they are curious, that means that they have an interest in their surroundings, so take it as a good sign.
A curious child will have ideas and imagination which builds creativity.
Always be patient with them and answer as honestly as you can.
Kids sometimes may ask awkward questions but giving them half-baked answers doesn’t help anyone.
Listen to them, take them seriously and encourage their curiosity.
Not only will they be satisfied with your answer, they will also appreciate being respected. Yes, even as toddlers.
A little curiosity never hurt anyone, so let your toddler be as inquisitive as they like.
It may get a little irritating for some, but this is just them learning the way of the world.
Understanding
In the same vein as curiosity, when toddlers want to understand something, they are searching for an educational answer.
The slight difference is that they already have some knowledge; they are just looking for an in-depth explanation.
You may notice that their questions seem more specific and gravitate around certain topics.
They may have taken an interest in something and wish to learn more about it.
When you notice that your toddler is fascinated in something, make an effort to involve yourself.
Children sometimes develop ‘special interests‘ that captures their attention for a long time.
Apart from just answering their questions, you can try to expose them to new things that they may like.
If they show interest in any historical event, bring them to a museum or art gallery. A toddler with interest in plants might like to go to a botanical garden.
Young children who are allowed and encouraged to express themselves will learn to have individuality and exemplary thinking skills.
Justice
Maybe the notion of justice is a bit too complex for a toddler, but that is sometimes the catalyst behind their constant questioning.
To ask why when they sense that something is not fair is common.
This is a good thing; it shows that your child has a sense of what is wrong and what is right. A moral compass will take them far in life.
Questioning the fairness of things usually begins when siblings get into fights.
You’ll need to settle their spats, and at some point, your toddler will ask things like “Why are you scolding me and not them?” or ” Why do they get that and not me?”.
Injustice stings for anyone, and it must be even more harsh for your child who is experiencing it for the first time.
These little misunderstandings may seem petty to you but they are your toddlers’ biggest worries.
Try not to dismiss them and be as fair as possible.
Attempts to Bond
Sometimes, it may seem like your toddler is constantly badgering you with all kinds of questions which don’t really have any purpose.
But they probably just want to communicate with you; and asking questions seems like the best way for them to do so.
Choose to be flattered by these attempts to bond with you, because it shows your toddler truly wants to spend time with you.
If asking inane questions gets them what they want, then that’s what they’ll resort to.
Even if it might seem like your toddler is repeatedly asking you ‘why’ in an attempt to annoy you, there isn’t much harm in what they’re doing.
If it gets too much, you can gently tell them to stop, but you should never scold a curious child.
It is much better to have a mildly annoying child who is in awe of new things than one who is sullen and disinterested.
At least they are showing an interest in communicating with you, and in an amusing way.
Maybe ‘Why’ Isn’t So Bad After All
There are so many reasons as to why toddlers ask why.
They may be curious, or just want to get a reaction out of you. Either way, asking questions is a good thing.
Not only is your child communicating, they are voicing out what they do not know, which is one of the best ways to learn.
Remember parents, always encourage your toddler to ask more questions. This way, they’ll absorb as much knowledge as possible.
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