Most children are delightfully curious about life, often asking questions 'ad infinitum'! Sometimes you'd like to just switch them off. But then, they are learning, and that's a good thing.

The trouble is that we usually just go ahead and answer the questions - like their personal Obi-Wan Kenobis - and miss great opportunities to help them learn to think.

Instead of quickly answering your child's next question, however simple or complicated it may be, how about using that moment to help your child find his own answer? The questions that opened this article represent two broad, but important categories:

• For information questions like, "Why are clouds white?" ask your child, "Where do YOU think you could find out?" In this case, his options may be the encyclopedia, the library, the Internet or a call to your local weather reporter.

  Now, you may have to assist your child, but you are making a wise, long-term investment in his future.

• For questions that are basically value judgments, i.e., "Why do I have to wear shoes in the restaurant?" instead of responding with, "Because they say so!" or "That's just the rule," ask your child, "Why do YOU think that might be a good idea?" or "Why do YOU think they have that rule?"

  While that question may lead to a complex discussion about social expectations or health issues, you are teaching your child to think. In the end, you'll find that:

  • ....
  • ....
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  • Your child's intelligence and knowledge base will expand.
  • He will discover other ideas that interest him as he researches his original question.
  • His personal confidence will grow.
  • Your child will respect you for helping him use his brain!
  • In the long run, you reduce the number of nonsense questions coming your way.

So, while it is natural and appropriate for your child to look to you as a reliable source of information, how about using his questions as developmental opportunities rather than calling on your 'Obi-Wan' within?