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We know that kids ask questions. A LOT. It’s how they learn and how they work out placing the puzzle pieces of life into place. Have you ever paid attention to what word starts the majority of your child’s questions? I’ve spent a fair amount of time considering this. I have two children, they approach life and problems in distinctive ways. My older son (7) is a “How” kid while my younger son (4) continually asks “What if.” These questions really say a lot about them and I can see ways that these questions are an expression of their individual personalities. The questions that they ask and the things that they ask questions about are very interesting to consider when you consder them in relation to the toys they choose, the books they read, the activities they prefer etc.
Here is a short list of some types of questions that kids often ask. Naturally every kid will ask each of these types questions but which one pops up more than any other?
The “Why” Child
The classic kid question. Kids that focus on this question might really be trying to understand why things are the way they are. “Because I said so” is never going to be a satisfactory answer. This child will want a position to be fully defended before they will accept it as true.
The “How” Child
Interested in real life and how things work. Grounded in reality. May choose non-fiction over fiction. This child’s play might be more closely related to happenings of the real world.
The “What If” Child
Interested in cause and effect. When told that something can’t or won’t happen this child wants to know is “but what if it does?” The What if child is thinking creatively. Considering possibilities and impossibilities alike.
The “Who” Child
Interested in people. Wants to know everything about everyone, including strangers. This child may be more attuned to social cues, physical appearance, etc.
This is not a psychological evaluation it’s just about paying attention to what makes your kid tick. We know that each child is unique, they will each thrive more fully in different types of settings. Pay attention to what type of question your child is asking, it may give you some insight into what aspect of the world around them they would get most excited when exploring.
With this in mind consider how to incorporate the child’s preferred type of question into their blog posts. Have the “who” child describe a person they know. The “what if” child could create a fantastical scene in a made up world. You get the idea. Occasionally nudge your child into a different direction. For example, have the How child answer a what if question. This can’t be overdone or forced but can certainly be a stretching and growing experience for the child!
The The types of questions kids ask and what they can reveal by Kids Blog Too!, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Nicole 06.03.08 at 10:57 am
Interesting post! My 2 1/2 year old has not gotten to this stage yet, so when he does I’ll keep this in mind. I have a feeling he will be a “What if” kid.
Nicoles last blog post..Sleep Training (From No Cry to Cry) Series - Part 5
shardaun 06.03.08 at 11:06 am
my son’s favorite word is “why”, followed very closely by “what if”, and yes he is extremely artistic and creative and always in the midst of trying to figure life out. Answering all those why’s is a tough job though, and often I find myself explaining “why” I don’t know the answer.
Sandie Law 06.05.08 at 10:01 pm
Oh, MonkeyBoy is a combination. He’s a big question asker…but why isn’t usually his question. It’s where, who, and the biggest, what if. He is full of what if’s. He tells stories like nobodies business and has a fantastic imagination. I do find myself fondly remembering those days before he could talk though…
Ilovejoejonas 08.28.08 at 5:03 pm
I would really love to ask a question but I don’t know how can someone
please tell me!!!???