9 common questions in children and how to answer scientifically and reasonably

Children often like to ask "why" - but we don't always have answers for them. This article helps you to answer some of your child's most frequently asked questions in the most intelligent and scientific way.

1. Why is there no dinosaurs now?

Talking to babies: About 65 million years ago, a giant planet collided with the Earth and changed everything on Earth. The dinosaurs could not adapt to this change and eventually died out. After that, new animals appeared. Their bodies are more suitable to live with the change that collisions between the two planets have created.

Dinosaurs will often draw children to scientific concepts.

You need to know: "Dinosaurs are the most vivid evidence of how the world has ever been different, which makes children's imagination grow," said Matthew T. Carrano, Ph.D. Rescue dinosaurs at the National Museum of Natural History in Washingtin, DC "Dinosaurs will often entice children to scientific concepts," he said, so take advantage of this opportunity to tell children about environment or evolution. For example, explain dinosaur fossils and tell children that they are the ancestors of chickens, doves, and even ostriches today.

2. Why are there so many languages ​​in the world?

Talking to children: Thousands of years ago, people from different parts of the world created their own language to describe their lives. So today, people in the same region share a common language and others do not. And language has changed over the years. If you can return to our country about 500 years ago, I will find it difficult to understand what my father was saying at the time, even if it was still Vietnamese.

You need to know: Listening to someone who speaks a language will make them feel lonely, even fearful. "But the sooner we help children understand different cultures, the easier it will be for them to find new friends," said Jillian Cavanaugh, PhD, professor of anthropology and archeology in Brooklyn. Colledge, New York. Tell your children that foreigners may think we are speaking a foreign language, and point out that some of the words your child is using come from another country, such as TV (English).

3. Why can't others see our private parts?

Talk to babies: Because we use them for things we don't do in public, like taking a bath - that's why it's called a private area. That is why we have to cover them when we go swimming or we have to close them when we go to the bathroom. We don't let anyone see that secret except Father and Mother or a trusted adult, like a doctor at her office. If anyone wants to touch it or make you feel uncomfortable, talk to your parents.

You need to know: "This is a great opportunity to form normal calm and attitudes about the body," Hal Runkel - Specialist, author of Scream Free Parenting, said, so please Take advantage of this opportunity to educate your child about gender. Give your children basic knowledge so that they can identify and protect themselves against physical abuse should not be.

4. Why is he a homeless person?

Children often have limited knowledge and they think that everyone has the same life as them.

Tell me: I am very happy that you paid attention to him. There are many reasons why people become homeless. He may have lost his job or too sick to take care of himself. Either way, we need to respect him. We should also offer to help homeless people when we can, by giving charity or donating warm clothes.

You need to understand: "Children are often limited in knowledge and they think that everyone has the same life as them," said Brenda Nixon, author of "The Birth to Five Book" . They need to know the truth but tell them : "They may be very sad because they are homeless." "Children often express surprise," Nixon added, so think about them and make suggestions about you and what they can help homeless people.

5. Why are people sick?

Talk to your baby: Usually caused by bacteria. Tiny bacteria will find their way into our bodies when we breathe or through the food we eat, or when we touch our mouth, into our eyes without washing our hands. Mostly, bacteria don't affect us, but sometimes our bodies can't fight against them, and so we get sick. Occasionally, people are sick because their bodies do not work normally, but they will not get sick like that. Right now, most diseases are cured by resting and taking medicine, so don't worry too much if you're sick. And remember to keep it clean so you don't get sick.

You need to know that it's important to distinguish common diseases like fever and flu from dangerous diseases like lung cancer. "Children should be aware that they will become healthier," said Darshak Sanghavi, MD, author of A Map of the Child: A Pediatrician's Tour of the Body. He explained : "Explain to the children about the serious diseases that should not be, until they are large. The common child diseases can easily be treated." When your child asks this question, take the opportunity to talk about good habits like washing your hands clean, using your own face towel, regularly brushing your teeth, etc. to avoid getting sick.

6. Why do adults sometimes cry when they are happy?

When adults are really happy, they will also have a little sadness, they cry because of that.

Talking to babies: People can feel something so strong that they need to let them out. When the children are happy, they will jump up and down or scream loudly, but adults have more complex emotions. When adults are really happy, they will also be a little sad. Occasionally, adults cry because of that.

You need to know: When you cry for happiness, it is often because you feel so sweet, just like the day your child graduated from kindergarten (You are very proud, but your child is growing too fast!). "Children do not have such complicated emotions, and they will be curious," Dr. Sanghavi said. Take this conversation with the children to encourage them to express their feelings with words. Emphasize that crying is okay, but make it clear what made them cry. "Understanding your personal feelings will make it easier for your child to empathize with others," he added. So tell your child, if you see you crying, ask you " are you happy or sad?"

7. Why can't I stay up late like my parents?

Talking to your baby: Your body needs to rest after a day of running around, and your brain needs to rest as well. When you run so much, learn, discover new things like that, you will be very tired. He is more tired than his parents working every day. Therefore, I need more time to rest. I go to bed early, my body will be healthy and my mind will be clearer and smarter the next morning.

You need to know that: Contrary to common knowledge, our brain is not "big" when we sleep. But scientists think rest is important for the physical development of the body. When children sleep less than 10 hours in the evening, they will become more irritable and their learning ability is reduced, Dr. Sanghavi noted.

8. Why do your neighbors have more toys than you?

Talk to your baby: Decide what problem to spend money on and how much to spend on adults. Maybe his parents decided to spend more money to buy toys for him. Maybe you will feel a little jealous, but having more toys doesn't make your family happier and better, right?

Talk to children about the difference between want and need.

You need to know: Look at this question as an opportunity to have a conversation with your children about money: Where does the money come from and how? How your family spends, saves, and gives money - Sharon Lechter, founder of payyourfamilyfirst.com, an organization dedicated to improving finances, said. "Explain to your child that everything has its price, and say what your family needs to pay every day , " she said. Talk to children about the difference between want and need, and with older children, tell them that they can make money by themselves, such as car wash for a neighbor, for example.

9. Why do I have to invite her to my birthday?

Talk to baby: Because if you don't invite him, he will be very sad. Which parents want me to be nice to everyone. Maybe she is different, she and she don't have much in common, but you should still invite her, don't separate her from your birthday party. You don't need to be friends with her, but imagine how you would feel if she had a party, invited everyone in the class and subtracted me?

You need to know: Children can form small groups and "boycott" other children from the moment they go to kindergarten. However, intervening and prohibiting this behavior may be counterproductive for children, Michele Borba, Ed.D., The Big Book of Parenting Solutions author. " If you can teach your children when you are young about how to feel others' feelings and think about how to help them, you will help your child not only not easily bullied, but also to prevent preventing their friend from becoming ugly ", she added.