New parents are always so eager and anxious for their babies to learn to talk. We cajole and coo and coax them to get out those first precious words. But eventually parental prayers are answered, and the child speaks.

Next thing they know, however, Mom and Dad are being grilled by junior or missy who have discovered the all-important “Why?” question.

There are the science questions — “Why is the sky blue?” “Why does the wind blow?” “Why is water wet?” “Where exactly in our bodies are we located?”

There are the personal questions — “Why do I have to go to bed?” “Why do I have to eat my vegetables?” “Why do I have to wear a coat?”

There are relational questions — “Why are you crying?” “Why did Grandpa die?” Why do I have to be nice to that funny smelling person?”

Even when a long litany of “Why?” questions get tedious, good parents know they need to keep answering. Children learn from asking questions. But it isn’t so much the answer to their inquiry that they are learning.

What our children are really learning with these first “Why?” questions is to turn to the ones who love them the most, who care for them as family, for an expansion of knowledge and an expression of love. Questions keep parent and child engaged in an on-going, living, growing relationship.

Thanks to Leonard Sweet for sharing.

Love is not blind. Love is the only thing that sees.

By loving the unlovable, You made me lovable.
St. Augustine to God

What “Why?” questions from children have given YOU the most food for thought?

THE MORE YOU TRUST GOD IN THIS NEW YEAR, THE MORE GOD AMAZES YOU!!

A POEM A DAY TO PRAY  2025.   It’s like a mini-retreat a day: https://treatsforthesoul.org/a-poem-a-day-to-pray/