Children come up with series of questions and counter questions. Sometimes these questions may seem totally nonsensical and absurd. Many parents lose patience and end up the whole conversation abruptly with mild snubbing… “Now, it’s enough. Stop asking too many questions.” or “Your questions never end… now go and play.” or something like that.
This is a flawed attitude as a parent. If you’ll see it from child’s point of view, you’ll be able to justify it. And that is important.
We must understand that questions are means of learning. Asking questions is a positive sign in children because it means that the child analyses. Every question, no matter how silly or absurd it may seem, is born of curiosity. And curiosity should be nurtured, not suppressed. I do agree that even the most articulate and informed parents can’t find satisfying answers to the countless questions of the child. But more than the right answers, right response is required.
Please do not snub—it makes the child feel ashamed. Try to understand that until now you have provided most of the ‘information’ the child has. That is why the child is trying to get answers from you. You should be responsive. A very young child may not understand scientific explanation, so be imaginative and creative. Do not give false information. Retain your child’s faith in you.
Your answers will build the treasure chest of knowledge of your child… that sprouts out of the magical domain of curiosity!
