by A.J. Morrison

Created on: July 11, 2008

Anyone who has or works around kids has been stumped at one time or another by some wild question from the mouths of babes. Some of these queries make us laugh while others leave us scrambling for an explanation. Whatever the question, and however we feel about it, it is of utmost importance to be understanding and not reprimanding of a child full of curiosity. It helps to know that there really is a good reason behind all the "Whys" and "How comes".

Curiosity is the key to all childhood questions and even comments. Children are born as curious creatures. What may seem common sense to us is a marvel to them. The simple pleasures of watching a butterfly or the wind blow can create a wealth of questions. "Why do his wings do that, Where is he going, Why is he so colorful?" or "The tree moved all by itself, the sun kissed my face, the air made me cold." When we take the time to nurture their interests and answer their zillions of questions, we are building knowledge in their little minds. We are helping their understanding to grow and giving lift to their spirits.

Observation becomes a crucial component in the field of curiosity. Even once they know what something is, their understanding of and categorization falls onto a different plain than our grown up ideas of what fits where. I recently happened upon an antidote of my oldest son's from when he was 4 and hand pneumonia. Someone else had given him his morning dose of medication one day and to be sure it had been received, I asked my son if he had taken his medicine. He picked up the medicine bottle and shook it and declared, "Yes, this one, I had my medicine." I was puzzled by his gesture so I asked how he knew that was HIS medicine. He claimed, "I can hear the yucky in it."

As funny and innocent as that story is, it is an example of categorizing in a 4-year old's mind. He knew what medicine was. He knew that some tasted good and some tasted bad. He, perhaps, knew that some medicine bottles can look the same. He couldn't read yet and he certainly couldn't open it to see or smell on the inside. So he shook it. The sound created a label in his mind; "Yucky Medicine".

To all young children, the world is a new and wonderful place waiting to be observed, questioned, and classified. They don't know any other way to do this, except their way. As they grow they learn that most things have a reason, a name, and a place. But while they are young, they are still searching for those answers. It is our job as adults to humor their discoveries and guide their understanding. What greater role could we be blessed with?

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