When Children Ask “Why?”

Children not only need to hear our conclusions, but they also need to know the thought process that got us to those conclusions. They need context. Offering only orders and rules is not teaching.

It's hard work to articulate the why. Some parents hesitate out of fear. Perhaps they will discover our secret weaknesses or find flaws in our reasoning. Rather than hiding our imperfections, if we let them know we are fallible as they are, we share with them a common bond and an authentic honesty. Rather than just opening their heads and pouring in our truths, we can help them make the marvelous discovery that they have something to contribute to our lives as well. We are fellow strugglers, learning how to live right in a confusing and challenging world.

Stephen Goforth