How to Respond to a 5 Year Old's "Why?"?

Question

I have a 5 year old. Every time I give him an answer, he says "Why?".

This happens 24x7. So much so that I don't think it's normal. I'm almost under the impression he does it to simply make noise.

I've tried responding with...

"Why not."
"That's the way it is."
and the ever elusive...
"Why do you think?"

What are good ways to get the child to stop asking Why? Or at least ask less?

Answer 1

It is perfectly normal for a child to continuousl ask "why" even when you are tired of them asking it. Pretty soon he will grow out of this stage and you will find yourself missing it. Kids are naturally inquisitive, to discourage that will discourage him from asking questions that help him learn about life and their environment.
Be patient, this too shall pass.

Answer 2

For more complete answer see if you can find copy of Thomas Gordan's book Parent Effectiveness training. That will help you with the why nots concerning discipline issues. It help you identity who has the problem, and avoid power struggles. On other items be happy at the level of intelligence his inquiring mind shows. Brain storming is fun way to get him involved answering the questions. When on factual question you get to point of saying because, wondering how much might get light by taking the time to show him how Answers works, and reading to him answers given. Or you could produce another good Republican by saying constantly, "That's the way it is no if and or buts about it {(lol) couldn't resist taking that shot.

Answer 3

I think it's great that your child is curious, he/she seems like an eager learner. If I were you, I wouldn't discourage this behavior. Answer the "why" as concisely as you can. I'm sure you are annoyed because he/she might not sound entirely interested in the answer, however many teachers these days complain that kids don't ask enough "whys." Hopefully in the future when you are able to ask "why?" to your child, they will take by your example and give you a satisfying answer.

Answer 4

Reggaemat, he is a child after my own heart. I was a 'why' child and continued into manhood. I hated doing anything if I did not know why I was doing it, or why something was called such-and-such. It certainly did me no harm and in those days, sixty years ago there were no computers and dictionaries were a rarity. I drove poor mom mad and I know now that a lot of the information she gave me as the answer to my query was a load of rubbish. So, don't hold him back, encourage him and look up his query on the Internet. He will end up a truly knowledgeable person and make you proud.............

Answer 5

In my classes (I'm a former jr. hi/hi school teacher) these came in two flavors. One was disciplinary - where kids question commands and rules. If the questions are "Why can't we buy candy right now?", or "Why do I have to clean up my room?", answer once, and don't respond again.

But kids really do have a natural desire to understand the world around them. I would recommend a "question diary" where you can keep track of "Why do birds fly south for the winter?" and "Why does the moon hide and come back?" questions. Then make a trip to the library...

Answer 6

If he repeats the question after being answered, turn it around. He says why is the sky blue. you say to him. I don't know son, why is the sky blue. You will get some really humorous answers and it will stop the questions for a while.

Why do you think?... I don't know why do you think?.. He is trying to capture your interest. He doesn't know how to lead a conversation and he knows you talk to him when he asks questions. He wants to be included.

If he is asking a new question, answer him as seriously as possible. 5 is a curious age... As a joke.. try doing it to him.. but why.. but why.. smile and he will see you are playing.

All of these worked great for me and my daughter.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, 5 year olds can talk your head off. The "why" question is a popular one, and even though it is frustrating it is his way of learning. OK, at times if he realizes it is annoying he may push it just to see you squirm, but keep your cool. Just find a way to answer him while continuing what you were doing and after a while he will tire of asking so many "whys"

Answer 8

Maybe you should have a talk with him about that and try to explain that he does not need to ask why after you answer him. Have patience maybe it's just a phase and it will go away soon. That's just the way kids are... I have a five year old daughter and she does not stop talking she is a chatter box... It could be craziness sometimes... Good Luck. :)

Answer 9

Give an honest answer and then ask him a question similar to the one he asked you, questions you know he can answer. Turn the tables around and make him think which will keep him busy thinking of an answer and let you off the hook for answering more questions.

Answer 10

My daughter is 4 and does the same thing. first answer the question and answer the "why" then if he asks again within a few hours say to him daddy/mommy just told you why. What did daddy/mommy tell you before? it took a bit but my daughter caught on. her teachers at school do the same thing and have had good results.