Kids are curious (and stay that way) once they reach the age when they’re able to speak. It almost comes packaged—talking ability and vocal curiosity. And this often happens at the age of 2 to 3 years old. Well, tots one year old or so, in fact, already get “verbally” curious though they still can’t speak audibly. But they communicate through cute mumbling and gurgling sounds (like “da-da” and “ma-ma”) aided by facial expressions and gesticulations.
Year-old toddlers can start asking their whys and parents and those around them should be able to pick up the idea and respond accordingly. As they grow up, the whys will intensify as they grow more curious. Here are the reasons why kids ask whys :
They need to express their curiosity.
Kids want to know how things work and why they work the way they do. They want to know things about their surroundings and especially why they’re there. Things they see compel them to know about the same and they do this by asking people they trust the most—you, their parents.
They easily get your attention.
With whys, they see how they easily get your attention and make you get more interested in them. Most kids enjoy an audience, and the more they have avid spectators the more they are apt to perform. Thus, they ask more whys. And remember, your kid needs your attention. It’s not just a fancy desire—they need it to satisfy their intellectual, emotional, and social needs to develop as a well-rounded kid.
It’s easy to pronounce and remember.
The word “why” is among the easiest word they can pronounce and remember. It’s a short, one-syllable word. Kids may want to know more about what they see around them, but can’t articulate the right words to express it. But asking “why” often comes close to it and helps them get most of the answers they want.
It makes adults talk to them.
Toddlers love people to talk to them, which is one of the simple reasons why kids ask whys. And they see that asking whys makes adults talk to them longer.
Make sure never to ignore the whys of your kid. Often failing to give them answers may stifle their strong drive or urge to learn and maybe discouraged in the future. If you want your kid to do most of the talking during why sessions (because sometimes you also run out of answers—after all, parents aren’t perfect), try gently returning their whys to them. If they ask you why the sky is blue, ask them why they think it’s blue. Then listen well.
