Guides for Grownups​

Curiosity & Learning: Toddlers are naturally curious. Their brains are developing rapidly and they’re eager to understand the world around them. Asking “why” is how they can get the answers to their questions to make sense of what they see, hear and experience.

Language Development: Around this age, children are also expanding their vocabulary and language skills. Asking questions is a way to practise using new words and sentence structures. It also helps them learn how to communicate effectively and understand complex concepts.

Cognitive Development: Toddlers are beginning to think more logically and understand cause-and-effect relationships. Asking “why” helps them connect the dots and see how things are related. It’s a sign that they’re developing their critical thinking skills.

Social Interaction: Engaging in conversations, even repetitive ones, helps toddlers learn how to interact socially. They’re learning to hold a conversation, take turns talking, and listen to responses. It’s an important part of their social development.

Be Patient & Encouraging: Understand that your child’s questions are a positive sign of their development. Try to be patient and encourage their curiosity. This helps them feel valued and boosts their confidence in seeking knowledge.

Give Simple, Clear Answers: When answering your child’s questions, keep your explanations simple and clear. You don’t need to provide detailed scientific answers – just enough to satisfy their curiosity at that moment. For example, “The sky is blue because of the way sunlight mixes with the air.”

Turn the Question Around: Sometimes, it’s helpful to turn the question back to them. Ask, “What do you think?” This encourages them to think critically and come up with their own ideas, which fosters their problem-solving skills.

Use Books & Resources: Children’s books are a great resource for answering tricky questions. There are many books designed to explain complex topics in a way that’s easy for toddlers to understand. Visit your local library or look for online resources.

Admit When You Don’t Know: It’s okay not to have all the answers. If your child asks something you don’t know, use it as an opportunity to learn together.

Say, “That’s a great question! I don’t know the answer, but let’s find out together.” This teaches them that learning is a lifelong process.

Encourage Exploration: Provide opportunities for your child to explore and discover answers on their own. Activities like nature walks, simple science experiments, and interactive play can help satisfy their curiosity in a hands-on way.

Set Boundaries When Needed: While it’s important to encourage your child’s questions, it’s also okay to set boundaries. If you’re overwhelmed or need a break, let them know gently. For example, “That’s a great question. Let’s talk about it after dinner, okay?”

Foster a Love of Learning: Above all, aim to foster a love of learning. Show enthusiasm for their questions and model curiosity yourself. This helps them develop a positive attitude towards seeking knowledge and understanding the world.