Early Childhood staff member asking questions to preschool student about a book titled "what makes a rainbow"

In the early ages, children are creating fundamental learning habits that will last them a lifetime. Have you ever wondered why students are always asking why? Discover our Early Childhood Team's perspective on the benefits of asking your child questions.

Kids are constantly curious and full of questions. It’s like they are little sponges, soaking up everything around them. “What is that?” “How does it work?” “Why?” Sometimes, it's hard to keep up with all their curiosity and wonder, but questions matter.

Asking questions helps preschoolers:

  • Develop critical thinking: They learn to observe, wonder, and problem-solve.

  • Build language skills: Expressing questions strengthens vocabulary and sentence structure.

  • Gain confidence: They discover their ideas and thoughts are valuable.

  • Understand the world: Questions turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.

Here are a few ways to encourage your child's natural curiosity:

  1. Celebrate Every "Why?"

Instead of brushing off questions, try saying: "That's such an interesting question! Why do you think?" This invites your child into the process of thinking, not just getting answers.

  1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of yes/no questions - ask "why""

  • What was your favorite part of the day?

  • "How did that make you feel?"

  • "What do you think will happen next?"

  1. Model Curiosity

Show your child that adults have questions too! Try saying: "I wonder why the leaves are changing color... let's find out together!"

Your encouragement makes all the difference. Let’s keep asking questions, wondering together, and building bright minds—one “Why?” at a time.

Encouraging questions means encouraging thinking — and that’s one of the most powerful gifts we can give young children.