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by David P. Byers, Ph.D.
“Why?”
That simple utterance spoken with a slightly uplifted tone
of voice at the end of the word to indicate an interrogative
is a favorite of children around the world.
Why?
Children know that the answers to “who”, “what”,
“where”, “when”, and even “how”
questions are often too short and fail to really explain
anything.
For example:
Who was the first President of the United States? George
Washington.
What does 5 x 3 make? 15
Where is California? On the west coast of the United States
When did Nebraska become a state? March 1, 1867
How are babies made? I’ll let all of you field this
one.
You see? The answers to these types of questions are too
simple, too easy. Now, if you were able to explain “why”
for the answers to any of the questions above, you’d
really be doing something!
Why?
While it is true that children like to learn the facts
that short answers offer, they really love to learn about
their world and the reasoning behind everything.
Why?
Perhaps asking “why” helps children express
the joy of wonder that they feel every day.
Perhaps understanding “why” helps children
feel emotionally secure knowing that there is a reason for
everything.
Perhaps knowing “why” helps children define
their places and purposes in the world.
Perhaps children like asking “why” until they
get a “because” as the answer.
Why?
Perhaps “because” helps children understand
that their parents don’t have all the answers.
Perhaps “because” helps children understand
that they won’t always find all of the answers in
life.
Perhaps asking “why” is a game and “because”
is synonymous with “the game is over; leave your parents
alone”, thus giving children closure.
Perhaps “because” gives children permission
to find some of the answers themselves.
Why?
Perhaps children feel that they are obligated to ask “why”
because they sense that their parents feel compelled to
try to provide them with all of the answers.
Why?
Perhaps parents are keen on helping their children develop
their knowledge and critical thinking skills to help them
be successful in their lives.
Yet, perhaps not providing all of the answers would do
even more to help children learn to think critically, to
acquire knowledge, and to be successful.
Perhaps parents should instead be asking their children,
“why?”
Why?
Because.
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