How to answer your child’s weird questions

Why do children ask so many questions?

A child's brain is like a sponge, constantly absorbing information and experiences. Because the mother is the source of security and information, the child often resorts to asking his mother questions in search of reliable answers to build his knowledge and awareness. No matter how prepared you are, your child will inevitably surprise you with a strange question you are confused about.

Asking questions also means the child will get his parents' attention and get closer to them through positive interaction. The child getting an answer to his questions means receiving his parents' attention and acceptance. So be careful not to dismiss your child when he asks you questions; even if you don't have an answer, tell him that his question is exciting and that you will look for an answer and get back to him as soon as possible. Take the opportunity to start a conversation with your child about the topic and find out why he is curious.

Embarrassing questions your child asks and how to answer?

1| Where do children come from?

Your child will surely ask you this question one day because the miracle of life and birth is a beautiful thing that interests everyone, no matter their age. The answer to this question depends on your child's age; if he is very young, you will not tell him about sex, fertility, and pregnancy. Instead, giving a general answer without going into details that may confuse your young child is preferable.

2| What does death mean?

Children have a lot of questions about death, especially if someone close to them has died, such as a grandparent, or they have heard from friends about the death of a relative. Your child will at some point ask you what death is, whether they will die too, or whether you or their father will die; kids always ask what happens after we die?! Death questions are uncomfortable, and they are among the most confusing questions for parents. However, it is essential not to show fear or discomfort because these feelings will quickly be transmitted to your child. Answer the question calmly that all creatures, plants, animals, and humans die and cease to exist for many reasons, and often for no reason, and that we will all die one day. As for the question of what happens after death, the answer depends on the child's age. Children should not be burdened with too many details that may frighten and upset them.

3| Why aren't you fasting, mom?

No matter how hard you try to hide during Ramadan during your period, your child, whom you have told about fasting and that it is obligatory for everyone, may discover that you are not fasting. Here, you have a few minutes to save your image in front of your child so that he does not think that you are not committed to your obligations as a Muslim. Tell your child that there are days during the month when a woman cannot fast or pray and that this is permission from God to relieve the woman who feels pain and fatigue during these days.

4| Who is God?

Defining the Creator and religion is one of parents' most important educational tasks, so the answer must be simple and appropriate for their age. Educational expert Dr. Jassim Al-Mutawa points out the necessity of using Surat Al-Ikhlas to explain who God is to children. And to tell them that He is the Creator of everything and He is One. He creates and is not made, and He cannot be likened to anyone or anything.

5| Why are boys different from girls?

This question is considered the ABC of sexual education for children. The child usually begins to ask this question when the family is blessed with a baby of a different sex, and the child notices the difference during a diaper change. Or when he gets to know children of the opposite sex. For example, a boy will be curious about why girls have long hair and wear dresses instead of pants and shorts. You can tell your child that girls and boys have different organs and that they have physical and emotional differences, which is part of the human diversity that God created. These differences make each of them capable of performing a vital function for which they were created.

To sum up,

Your child will ask you hundreds of questions from when he starts talking until he becomes an adult. It is essential to listen to your child's question, pay attention to it, and try to answer if you have an appropriate answer for his age and comprehension abilities. Be careful not to dismiss your child or scold him when he asks, even if the question is embarrassing; listen, show interest, and answer. If you don't know the answer, praise your child's curiosity and pursuit of knowledge, tell him you will look for an answer, and give it to him as soon as possible. Always seek the help of experts to know the best answer to the weird questions your child asks.