“Why is the sky blue?”
“Why is he running?”
“Why do I have to sleep?”
The endless questions can sometimes exhaust parents—but they can also be a sign that your child is developing language and curiosity.
Questions are part of development
By around age three, many children begin asking who, what, where and why questions.
CDC developmental milestones also include having short back-and-forth conversations and talking about actions they see in pictures.
You don’t need perfect answers
If you know the answer, explain it simply.
If you don’t, say:
“I don’t know. Shall we find out?”
That teaches children that adults do not need to know everything.
Ask questions back
Sometimes turn the conversation around:
“What do you think?”
“Where do you think the bird is going?”
“What might happen next?”
This encourages children to explain their own ideas.
Keep language natural
Everyday conversations during cooking, travelling, bathing and play give children opportunities to hear new words.
There is no need to turn every question into a formal lesson.
If you have concerns about your child’s communication or they lose language skills they previously had, speak with their paediatrician.
💚 Earlyhood Parent Tip
The hundredth “Why?” may feel repetitive to you.
For your child, it may be another attempt to understand how the world works.