I chose to answer my kid's 'why is the sky blue' question with a full science lesson instead of a simple story.

Everyone told me to just say 'because it's pretty' or make up a fairy tale. I think that's a cop out. My daughter is 5 and asked the real question, so I got a flashlight, a glass of water, and some milk to show her how light scatters. It took about 20 minutes in our kitchen in Phoenix. She got a bit fidgety, but she kept asking 'and then what?' I know some people think it's too much for a little kid, but I believe if they ask the real question, they deserve the real answer, even if it's simplified. How do other parents handle these deep 'why' questions without just brushing them off?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_kevin1mo agoTop Commenter

Honestly, that sounds like a quick way to make a kid stop asking questions.

-1

abbyg141mo agoProlific Poster

What if you turned it into a game instead? In my experience, making a silly challenge out of finding the answer together keeps them curious. That way they learn how to look things up without getting shut down.

mark36129d ago

Actually I read somewhere that kids' brains are wired to learn through play and curiosity, and shutting them down can actually make them stop asking questions altogether. Turning it into a game sounds like it keeps that door open while teaching them something useful. Makes me think about that study on how kids with engaged parents tend to stay curious longer into their teens.