My toddler has just started asking WHY to everything!?

Question

What tips do you have for this phase...do you answer all the why's? Or do you ignore them? I answer them at the moment....but it's getting old! Why are you putting butter on the toast?..... Because it makes the toast nicer...... Why? .....Because it does! .....Why?

Answer 1

I know how you feel. My youngest has just entered this phase, and it will last forever!
Answer all the questions that you can, because this is your toddler's way of finding out about the world. I know it gets annoying, but it's good for them to come to you with questions, and by answering, you are reinforcing a habit that will hopefully stay with them until the teen years, and they will come to you with more complex questions about sex, alcohol, and drugs.
If you don't know the answer, it's okay to say so. Then bring your toddler to the computer or go to the library and find out. You'll be teaching your child that nobody knows everything, but you can always find the answers to your questions with the right resources.
The worst questions are the ones about other people..."Why does Aunt Jan have so many cats?" "Why did those people paint their house pink?" How do you answer something like that...? LOL!
Next will come the "What if..." "What if the sky was green and the grass was blue?" "What if broccoli was bad for you and candy was good?" Mega annoying, because the only answer is "Then that's just the way it would be!"

Just go with the flow and try not to pull your hair out!!! :-)

Answer 2

This is a normal phase for toddlers. They are very curious and want to know everything, You can pick and choose if you want or answer all the questions it is really up to you. There is really no solution or easy way out of it. However all I do know is before you know it this stage will be over and the next one will be here and yes it is tedious but it does not last forever so cherish it. Before you know it your child will be grown up and graduating from highschool and you will be wondering where all those years went. Believe me I have 3 ages 25, 19 and 17. Those whys are definitely a walk in the park compared to the "teen" years too. Good luck.

Answer 3

They are learning the art of conversation and discovering the world. Answer as many as you can take. When you hit the wall, tell them they can as 2 more questions then you need a 10 minute brain brake. Stick to your 10 minute brake like glue, then answer some more.

Fair warning is always the best way to curtail a person's fun, regardless of the age.

For instance, I always give a 5 minute warning at the park and never get so much as a moan when it's time to go.

Try to have a chat about the subjects they ask about. Ask them questions too, like what things they've thought of having on toast and what they think it might taste like. They may not know but enjoy being asked.

Answer 4

Children often ask why because they have figured out that it is a way to keep the conversation going. They want you to talk to them more. They don't necessarily really want to know the reason "why" to everything they are asking specifically and obsessively at that very moment but, it is the best way they can manipulate you into talking to them. Chances are if you keep the conversations going more on your end -- not necessarily with answers to the why al the time but, just in general -- you will satisfy your child's love of being paid attention to and taken seriously and being engaged with and most of all, being talked to!!
The other thing is that this stage really does go away on its own eventually.

Answer 5

It's A very Funny and Cute thing when kids ask Why!!! You'll miss it later!! Sometimes it good to tell your kid the answers, it makes them smarter and there just curious.. I would still answer the why and if u dont know the answer look it up or tell him/her your own answer.. But if you intend to not answer all the why's just distract him/her with something else that comes to mind, kinda like beating around the bush!!! Hope that helps, I enjoy it!!

Answer 6

The best answer I had when my kids went through that was "I don't know, do you know? What do you think?" This would make them think about their question. Sometimes their answer would be really funny, and sometimes very deep.
If you simply don't have time for an insightful answer from your child, "Sometimes it just is" is a good answer.
Most of the time, they don't really want an answer, but attention and they know that asking a question is a good direct way of getting some from you. "Sometimes it just is" is a real answer and it pacifies their need for a bit of attention.
Also, "I don't know" is a good answer, if you can't think of a good one. It's honest and it helps teach them that mommies don't know everything so they might want to look for some answers themselves.

Answer 7

lol.. my daughter just started this also. Not only does she ask why?, but she also asks how? or what happened? I always answer her, no matter how silly it seems. If she continues to ask even though I just told her the answer, then I simply say, "I just told you why, honey." and she usually backs off. If she doesn't back off right away, then I try to actually explain why. She then says "oh" as if she now completely understands. The other day, I accidentally broke our vertical window blinds when trying to open it up. She was in bed at the time. When she got up and saw it, she asks "what happened?" lol.. now isn't that just so cute....

Answer 8

they say that the hardest part to encounter when you have a kid thats in the toddler phase.. they will really tire you with their whys.. but u know thats a good thing, thats their stepping stone in learning about the world and lots of things. what u need is a lil more patience.. if he/she asks just answer.. dont get mad at him or anything.. because you'll only lower his self-esteem.. help him to understand everything or anything.. one day when he's all grown up and all you'll be proud to say and satisfied w. yourself, u'll start tellin yourself 'ive done a good job!'

Answer 9

Answer all of the "whys" and make sure you're accurate. If you don't know why, admit it. The impressions you are making now will last into the future so embrace the opportunity (tedious as it may sometimes seem) and teach your bundle of joy; it's the greatest gift you can give.

Answer 10

Remember as a parent you should have patience with your child. Also, being that this is a young child, they ask questions because they are curious. The only common sense thing to do is listen and teach them. Also remember in the long run, ignoring your child is only going to get old to them. Be a parent it's fun. :)