How do I get my toddler through the "why" phase faster?

Question

Okay, he's two. I understand that. I get that he is going to ask why a lot. But does anyone have any ideas to get him through it faster? His first response to any statement or direction from my lips is "why?". It's making me nuts!

Answer 1

ask him why in response. When you say something like " (your childs name) its time to take a bath come on" and he replys with "why? why do I take a bath mommy?" Then you could simply reply with "why not? why don't you want to take a bath?" and with each response he gives....... ask him why. I went through this with my 3 yr old and her asking 'why' all the time stopped sooner then I am sure she intended on it to. lol!!! best of luck..... just so you know..... I did it lovingly and in a very loving voice.... she never got aggervated and it became a game rather then her 'thats how it is at that age' thing, but if the 'why is a genuine 'why', like why do flowers grow, or why do birds fly or why does daddy and you work, kinda thing....... I would and did and do answers those.... its the silly why's that I played the game with. Blessed be........

Answer 2

Try distracting him. That's the answer for most things at this age, because toddlers are so easy to distract. Once they get a bit older, you can't use that trick anymore so use it to death now. I like the "because I love you" idea, that's cute too.

But apart from that, he's learning so just answer him if it is an appropriate "why?" Also, maybe he just wants to hear his mummy's voice, and keep you talking. And he knows if he says why, you will keep talking, and maybe you'll say something interesting. Kids are, by nature, curious! Just enjoy the attention because it doesn't last!

By the way, what do you mean MAKING me nuts? Haven't you lost your sanity yet? That should've happened within the first few weeks of birth! Good Luck!

Answer 3

I am having the same problem but it isn't new to me. I am raising 2 grandchildren and both are 2 year old. I get why all day long. I have just started answering with different variations of the correct answer. It doesn't cut down on the question but it does make me and a lot of other people laugh. After all laughter is what raising children is all about.

Answer 4

Ther is no getting rid of this.My 5 year old is still Why Why all the time.Just come up w/an explanation.They are just curious and will be for a long time.

Answer 5

My cousin was 6 when he grew out of this, I actually found it really cool because I enjoyed sharing my knowledge of stuff with him, and if the answer I gave him was followed with another why? and that answer too... sometimes we got to the point where we'd have to look stuff up together. I had a blast spending quality time with him that didn't involve cartoons or spending money!

Answer 6

lol aww i miss that phase! i know youre going nuts though. i used to grit my teeth and just answer because otherwise...how else will they learn? but if hes just asking why until hes blue in the face...and theres no posible way to answer then just ask HIM why. just copy him and say "i dont know, you tell me why?" and then when he gets old enough you can say "because im mommy and i said so". lol thats what i use now - my boys are 8 and 10 and it works! good luck and try not to pull too much hair out :)

Answer 7

as you can see from all the responses, suck it up and answer the kid. You don't have to go into detail but you should give an answer, it builds his intelligence and communication skills, don't hinder that! Especially with him being a boy, you know how men have communication issues when they get older, so don't help that problem.

Answer 8

I dont think you can I have four children ages 3, 5, 14, and 16 and they the older ones STILL ask me why. Theres really no cure for it that I know of.

Answer 9

Yes, the burden is on you, but, as a good parent, you must bare it. Children learn by asking why. Yes, it gets a little monotonous, but it is a "necessary evil". I always did my best to explain "why", but sometimes I would turn it around and ask them to explain "why" to me. It makes them learn to think for themselves. Just be strong - as with all phases, they will grow out of it.

Answer 10

lol Does that phase ever end I still do that to my mom just to drive her nuts and i am 22!! Just ingore it when he knows it doesnt bug you he will stop like i said its just to drive our parents nuts my son has a problem with speaking so he is almost 3 and i dont have that problem yet at least.