Why why why why why???????

Why do some children ask why all the time?! My DS is 3 1/2 and his response to almost every sentence anyone utters (including himself) is 'Why?' I'm so over it! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get past this?

Usually I try to be patient and answer his questions, but sometimes it does my head in. If I turn it around and ask him 'Why?' his response is 'Cos', so I've tried that a bit too - it seems to stop him most of the time, but I feel mean for not answering his questions. I don't want him to feel that he can't ask questions, I just want him to understand when it is appropriate.For example, he might ask me if his sister is asleep. I say 'No, not yet'. He asks 'Why?'... Or, after seeing and playing with his friend at the football, he asks me if Lachie is in his seat. I say yes. He asks why. These aren't very good examples, but they give you a bit of an idea of what I mean. It's almost as if it's just his automatic response to everything!

My DD is the same age and we are going through this as well. I try and answer the question if it is a legitimate curiousity but it goes on and on and on and on and on and I feel your frustration. Sometimes I just turn to her and in a really exaggerated voice say 'Really??? Because that is the way it is! And then I tickle her and it is enough for her to lose focus on the why questions. I think distraction is key but yeah it is annoying and hopefully it will pass soon.

We get this too. I generally answer but if it's to a ridiculous degree I put it back on her - "why do YOU think it happens/is/was/does?". It's usually enough to make her change her way of thinking


My mum reckons I was exactly the same. Must admit, I still am lol. I have to understand things lok

We went thru that and sometimes too I would ask what they thought, stops and makes them think their own thoughts and ideas why. Have had some inetersting concepts.
Now I get really hard questions. DD1 asked me where everything starts from for example like a bottle. Ok its plastic but where does the plastic come from and where does the stuff come from that makes that and it goes on. Think why was easier!

This does my head in. It's non-stop with my 3.5 yr old too. What I've realised though, is that while it's always there, it escalates when I'm not being very attentive to her. I think what she's actually trying to communicate is 'I want to have a conversation with you Mummy'. DD's speech is brilliant, but still not sophisticated enough that she can initiate the range of comments, questions etc that it takes to have a proper chat about something without me supporting the conversation from my end. If I manage to tune in and actually stop, get down to her level and have a good chat about whatever's important to her right now, the 'whys' ease up.... For a little while!

My DD1 did this and still does it, I think it's their way of trying to make sense of the world around them, even if it can be frustrating for us at times.

Ask him "why not?" - it's a variation on asking them what they think, just so you don't get bored with the same response ;) Works in this house!

It can be irritating. I think sometimes it's about keeping the parents attention, controlling the flow of conversation and learning how to HAVE a back and forth conversation. Remember that in his eyes, you know the answers to everything lol so if you're unsure or giving vague answers (cause there isn't really an answer) he might be pushing cause he thinks you really do know.

The other alternative, along the lines of what Alibaby posted, is to give over the top, exaggerated silly answers when his why's get silly. DP does this a lot and it usually ends in laughter and a change in subject or focus.

I'm another big fan of the "why do YOU think?" or, if they're not being serious, "why not?" or distraction: "that's a great question. let's sing a silly song about it!"

I try not to get to the "because I say so" because that used to give me the irrits when I was a kidlet myself ...

And I remind myself, "this too shall pass ... "

I'm sure in 10 years I will wish that they'd ask me my opinions on things, and they won't ... :)

It's a stage of development... An inquisitive and curious mind! I agree with peanutter- ask "why do you think....?" you might be surprised at the amazing responses you get. Some will be quite creative and give you even more of an insight into how your DS sees the world and his place in it and other answers will be factually accurate.
Are you planning on your DS going to Kindergarten next year? His curiosity is a great attribute that shows how switched on to learning he is.
If all else fails.... Distraction might also work!!

Thanks for your suggestions everyone, there's some good ones in there. I think I will try asking him, 'Why do you think?' I have tried this a few times, but not often enough.

I do like that he's curious (he must take after me in that regard, I like to know everything that's going on, whereas DH couldn't care less about what anyone else is doing!). Frangipani Lou, we are planning to send him to kinder next year. I hadn't thought of it as a good sign that he is ready to learn!

I think what I most need is to practise some patience!

Mostly I will reply then if it continues I will say you already asked that or remember you asked me that yesterday has won a little bit in our house. Just thought I would tell you a funny question he asked me the other day mummy is a wave taller from the front or back :o Where does he get this stuff?