Toddlers have a battery of questions prepared for adults. They may suddenly ask, “Why does corned beef have no corn?” “Why is the blue sky so high and the ocean so deep?” or “What do ants do during winter?” Their genuine, never-ending inquisition is charming, but adults run out of answers and they get exhausted, too.

The Bottom Line

The reason why kids ask questions is very simple – they need answers. As they cultivate awareness, they get curious of movements, structures, colors, of the mere existence of things around them.

This reaction can be considered a natural human tendency. When people see something new, they raise questions until they are cognitively satisfied. This principle is applicable to toddlers, too. For them, the sound of an electric fan, the sight of a rainbow and the concept of heaven are simple wonders worth investigating. Adults may consider them trite, but since kids have just started to explore the world on their own, everything appeals to their senses.

Dealing with Questions

Asking questions is a form of communication. Hence, when tots start to get inquisitive, take it as an opportunity to explore what’s in their mind. If the questions have underlying implications, don’t just let them slip away. Do they seem too preoccupied with the cartoon characters they see on television? Perhaps their attention can be diverted to games that promote social interaction. If they ask, “Why does Daddy always come home late?” evaluate the time you and your spouse spend with the kids.

Patience in providing truthful answers is another good way of dealing with curiosity. The University of Michigan researchers had found out that kids who hear a good explanation would most likely agree or make a follow-up question. Those who feel dissatisfied repeat their original question or provide an alternative answer. This finding suggests that adults must not deprive kids with the process of active learning.

The next time kids ask you a question, stay cool and answer it in a manner they will understand. Your effort and gentleness will be greatly appreciated.

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A toy can serve as a great medium for learning. Most people assume it’s meant to entertain kids, but the not-so-emphasized fact is, it supports the idea of make-believe. With toys as props, kids imagine an actual scenario and build a conversation from it. This is a great way of preparing them for their life ahead because they get to develop the qualities or abilities listed below.

Empathy

Using toys in a dramatic play allows kids to put themselves in the shoes of the people around them. For instance, when they play with a cooking set, they take the role of a mother preparing dinner for the family. When they frolic with attractive flowers, they can pretend they are gardening in the yard or selling bouquets at a shop. When they play with cars, they pretend to be drivers caught in the midst of a traffic jam.

This paves way for the development of empathy, a very important quality in enriching the emotional intelligence of a child. When they understand the importance of a role, they develop a sense of respect, and they learn how to deal with people in a courteous way.

Expression

Children are still in the process of building their vocabulary and constructing sentences. To minimize this communication barrier, kids can utilize toys to let them express their thoughts and emotions. When a girl hugs a doll or a life-sized stuffed bear, it’s a clear indicator of affection. When a boy imagines a Titanic-like ship sinking in the sea and comes up with an idea of lifeguards swimming to rescue passengers, it helps him convey the concept of survival. They may not eloquently express what they think and feel but with the assistance of toys, they can arrange their thoughts and manifest what’s going on inside them.

Creativity

Children also have the potential to think outside the box. If you give them a toy monkey, they can imagine it climbing a tree, eating a banana, twirling, riding a cloud, taking a shower, playing with a dog, etc. If you give them blocks, they can arrange them to form a house, a robot, a train, a table, a spaceship or anything that comes into their mind.

This implies that experimenting with toys is a great exercise for enhancing their creativity. It stimulates their brain and brings out their amazing ideas. As a positive consequence, kids will be more prepared to face challenges, adjust with the environment and make future decisions. They will gradually acquire self-confidence and control over the things happening around them.

In a nutshell, using toys that support active learning lets kids explore reality in their own manner. This forms part of their emotional, verbal and cognitive development. Enough time must be spent for make-believing and playing around with toys for they bring not only fun but also awareness of the complexities of life.

Children are very picky eaters and it is often hard to convince them to stay away from junk food. Preventing them from munching candy bars is often a challenge for every parent. Some parents tend to tirelessly remind their kids to eat right. While it is effective to some cases, at times this strategy just doesn’t work.

Age Matters

Teaching your kids to eat healthy food will depend on your kid’s age. Older children can be taught about the food pyramid, but younger children like preschoolers do not have a concrete idea of how it really works. Take advantage of the fact that these children are very visual. If they are very picky with food,  catch their eye with a very attractive food plate or fun place mat.

Eating Is Fun

Every meal should be fun for the child or else they will lose their appetite. Besides presenting them a very attractive plate, you also have to make the experience enjoyable. Forcing the child to eat will only make them dreading every meal. This pushes them towards the idea of sweet, enjoyable snacks. Entertain them with a story about the food that they are about to eat. Tell them food facts to stir their interest.

Create a Meal Plan Together

Just because kids cannot fathom the food pyramid doesn’t mean you can’t introduce the recommended daily diet to them. Create a meal plan for your kid involving all different food groups and the required amount for every group. Introduce healthy food for children slowly but creatively.

It’s also a great practice to set an example for them. When you spend time eating healthy food with them, it gives them a sense of approval and encouragement.

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