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Why?     

Date
Aug, 25, 2017

By Fredrica Syren:

One of my least favorite phases of kids’ development is the “why” phase. My youngest child Liam just started it; I had totally forgotten how tiring it could be. Everything I say to him is followed by “Why?” I have learned that it’s important to answer the question as honestly as possible and without frustration. Yeah, right!!! I try, but — really — sometimes there is no end to his asking me why.

Me: “We have to pick up your sister.”

Liam: “Why?”

Me: “Because we don’t want to leave her in school.”

Liam: “Why?”

Me: “Because she is your sister and we have a responsibility to get her.”

Liam: “Why?”

Me: “Because we love her.”

Liam: “Why?”

Me: “Because she is my daughter.”

Liam: “Why?”

Me: “Because Mom and Dad really wanted children.”

Liam: “Why?”

Me: “We love each other and want to be a family.”

Liam: ”Why?”

Me: “Because most humans like to grow a family. It’s in their DNA.”

Liam: “Why?”

Me: “Well 200,000 years ago, the first human …”

Sigh … You get the idea.

Around the age of 3 or 4, kids will start asking lots of questions and more questions. And our answers will be followed by … yup, you’re right, more questions! They just never seem to be satisfied. Although it might be annoying at times, asking questions is a normal developmental milestone and should be celebrated. I think it’s okay to tell your child that you don’t know at times, and maybe even to look up answers and learn together. This is just a peak at children’s curiosity☺

September 14, 2017

Fredrika Syren

Fredrika Syren is an environmental activist and writer. In 2016, she founded the website Green-Mom.com where she shared her family’s journey of living zero waste. She lives in San Diego, California with her husband James and their children Bella, Noah, and Liam. Fredrika and her family were recently featured in the documentary Zero Time to Waste. Fredrika is also the author of Zero Waste for Families - A Practical Guidebook (which you can buy on this site)

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