Why They Ask

Kids are bound to ask "those questions" -- the simple ones that are the hardest to answer, that pry into your private life or leave you feeling inconsistent or hypocritical if you reply the wrong way. You may struggle to answer certain questions, or be stunned by the idea that kids think about these things at such a young age.

"Kids may also ask questions as a way to tell you there's something deeper on their minds," says John Sommers-Flanagan, professor of counselor education at the University of Montana and coauthor of Problem Child or Quirky Kid. "Kids aren't always good at articulating their concerns, so they may hide a question within a question."

As you'll see in the queries posed here, there are no truly "right" answers to kids' most probing questions. However, being able to respond appropriately is key to helping kids grow into open-minded, responsible adults.