So my son is three and he is in the "why?" stage. He questions EVERYTHING all day long. In the beginning we thought his curiosity was endearing. Now the non stop onslaught of why is driving us crazy! My husband and I both find ourselves loosing patience. We have tried answering his question (which makes him ask "why?" about our response), ignoring him (which makes us feel bad and he just says why louder until we respond), saying, "because I said so" (which makes him say "why did you say so?") saying, "I don't know, what do you think?" (and his response it "I don't know, why?") It feels like every time we say anything the response it "why?", it's infuriating at times. Any suggestions on how to curb this behavior or ways for us to cope?
There will be a day when you which they would ask for your advice... I know it's hard dealing with this stage but answer the questions also turn them back on him and ask him why do you think it does that or this... have him tell you the answer... then you can say, see you know the answer to that and you didn't need to ask mommy or daddy...
Enjoy this stage because it will pass too...
Hang in there. It it good that he is that way...I always think it is the kid's job to drive us crazy and he is excelling at his profession right now.
Answer what you can and then I think it is OK to say that you are taking a break from questions for a little while for "mommy to think". Sometimes they are just asking for attention so maybe a big hug will work better than a 10 minute instructional lecture.
I have 3 kids 21, 15 and a 3 year old who asks "Why not?" all the time. I knew it was coming because when my other 2 kids were three they did the same thing with why? It's just a learning stage that they are learning everything around them. I think it's the age that they learn the most from asking why. When I become tired of it though, I find that I can redirect her question by changing the subject, especially if I know I already answered the question.
Pick and choose your responses to the ones you think he may really want to know. Sometimes they just get in the habit of saying why to keep up a conversation I think. And this is the age they are REALLY bad. On the things you think he is just keeping on saying why to a question that there really isn't an answer, either tell him that or say (mommy or daddy) is real busy in this (chore) and can't talk or answer right now. Later we'll talk or read a story , play a game or whatever to get his mind off of the (no subject) and then do read to him later etc. but let him know sometimes you are in a projectand can't talk right now, get him busy with a boy and tell him to play some makebelieve game you think up with the little cars or farm animals etc. to get his mind off of the why's for a bit.
My grandson does this too. I just answer his why with a why and he will answer most of the time.
I say: Don't take the lid off of the cup and he asks, why
I say; why and he says, because I might spill it.
He knows most of the answers himself. If he doesn't, he will ask why again.
My daughter is deemed "inquisitive" at school.....is that what you call it.....was my response. Well, I have used some Love and Logic to help with this.
1. I turn the question on the child to make them think instead of me: "why do you think?" "What would you do?" ETC.
2. I will tell her that my energy is running out and she can ask 2 more questions and then I need a break until my energy comes back.
It is tough to find the balance, but Love and Logic is big on listening to yourself and whether you are being manipulated or not.....it has slowed down, but she still likes to ask questions....maybe she will do something great with all her skills; lawyer maybe??? LOL.
It doesn't stop. Just a warning. My 8year old still questions non-stop! Look forward to the arguing, which comes next!
Having an inquisitive child is a good sign of above average intelligence, but it's exhausting! For good questions, I give an answer, but for annoying ones (why do I have to clean my room, why brush teeth, etc.) I just tell her that she already knows the answer and just to do what I say.
When he shows an interest in something and is wondering about it, offer to help him learn about it on the internet. Simple answers are best at age 3, but once he gets older, offering for him to study up on something is key.
Smart kids ask questions!
