Questions, questions, always more questions! As parents it's easy to reach that moment where we flick an internal switch, drowning out the sound of the incessant questioning common among young children. There never seems to be an end to the questioning, as one answer becomes the spark for yet another question. We work tirelessly to provide answers in the hopes of satisfying the never-ending source of questions.And yet all that inquiry is one the most beautiful aspects of childhood. Through a child's lens the world is full of wonderment and possibility. It's the quickly proffered answer that can stifle awe and amazement. According to this PubMed.gov research article, when children encounter a gap in their knowledge, asking questions allows them to obtain targeted information just when they are particularly receptive to it. As young children ask questions, there are 5 conditions that when met will lead to greater cognitive development: 1.Cognitive development is enhanced when children ask questions that gather information. 2.Children must receive informative answers to their question if the information is to be of use in cognitive development. 3.Children need to have an intrinsic interest in getting the information they're requesting. 4.When the questions children ask are relevant and of potential use to their current stage of development, there is a certain advantage cognitively. 5.When children ask questions for a purpose or to achieve a change or advancement of knowledge, the answers will help meet their cognitive development needs. Basically, not all questions are of equal importance. There really are certain questions that demand more of your time and attention than others.It's true that today's environment is full of answer keys and instruction sheets to help you provide the 'right' answer when needed. It can seem as though there should be a correct answer to each question a child might ask. We can also feel that, as parents, it's our job to know all the answers and whip them out in a moment's notice. But, keep in mind that the best part of the questioning lies in the discovery. In the spirit of this article I'll offer you these questions for thought: Is the most readily available answer the only answer? Is quickly offered information the best information? In terms of cognitive development, no. "Now, wait." You might be thinking. "Some questions really do have hard and fast answers." And, you're right.But remember that the discussion of ideas might be better than flat out answers. Rather than offer simple solutions to your child's inquiry, why not offer resources? At times when those important questions arise that are bound to increase cognitive development, recognize the need to slow down and encourage the 'what', the 'why', and the 'how' of the moment. Lead your student on a journey through resources that will foster thinking and growth. Best of all, teach them how to maneuver the world of discovery on their own so they can be lifelong students.Then, when they ask questions like, "Why can't I watch more TV? Why, why, why?" know that sometimes it really is OK to flip the switch and phase out of the moment. You're not hindering their cognitive development by skipping out on those questions.
