Curiosity from age 3 - 4 years

The Gist:

When a three year old asks “why”, answer the question they asked (and no more).

The Details:

If you know a three year old, you know that “why” is THE WORD. It’s the thing that three year olds say to everything!

“Go get your shoes”

“Why?”

“Let’s go to the park”

“Why?”

“Time for school”

“Why?”

All these ‘whys’ can get on our nerves, and yet - what a MAGNIFICENT stage of development!! I often say that babies, toddlers and preschoolers are little scientists, but age three is when this becomes really obvious.

Why? (haha)

Because they’re using language to explore the world.

Because they’re putting thoughts into words.

Because they’re finally “using their words”. (and isn’t that what you’ve been asking them to do for about 2 years now?!)

The thing that gets intense about Threes is how many times they ask “Why” and other questions. It can feel overwhelming and confusing to know how to answer the questions coming at us.

Here’s a tip: Answer the question that is asked (AND NO MORE).

So, if you get asked why it’s time for dinner, you might say, “because we have dinner at this time”.

Here’s what’s missing from that answer: eating veggies, health, manners, importance of family dinners, politeness, etc. etc. etc. blah blah blah.

I’m teasing you a little: eating veggies, health, manners and all those things are important, but that is not the question that was asked.

Threes are still pretty literal and in the “here and now”, so keep your answers in the “here and now” as well.

At face value.

Without too much information.

Just enough to satisfy the immediate question.

Because, guess what?

There’s another “why” coming at you soon!

All my best -

Gabriele