Should we begin at the age of three or four, when their curiosity is at its peak?
Have you spent time in the company of a three-, four, or five-year-old child who didn’t ask, Why? or How? or What? Over and over again until you wanted to pull your hair out? Teaching the art of asking great questions and the power of pausing can start subly and simply.
Parenting is not easy, but it is our most important role.
It’s where we are to help our children become their best and make them ready for their life journey. We improve their odds of success when we encourage their curiosity and imagination.
As adults, we sometimes need time to be able to answer their questions. Today, someone might hand them a phone and show them how to use Google or distract them with games on the phone. That would be wrong, and in no way should you squash curiosity. Speaking of which, I have been curious to use AI to help me with content; this story is the result. I used ChatGPT to help me brainstorm and rework this article. Like many writers, I use Grammarly for spell check, and catching some of my sentence structure problems, along with the Hemingway editor. But it’s only the second time I have used ChatGPT. I hope you’ll be pleased.
Some parents try to direct their children’s attention to something else when they ask what, why, and how. I wonder where these children will go to find the answers, or will they stop being curious?
If you are too busy to answer right then, tell the child why you need time to respond and when you should be able to. “As soon as I get the baby down for his nap, I’ll be able to answer some of your questions.” Or if you don’t know the answer, you can say, “I don’t know, but we can research together and see what we can find.”
How do we encourage their curiosity?
We ask them what do they think? We help them get unstuck if they have trouble finding the correct words. We show them research and maybe if they are the right age we show them how to research.
Getting the child to find the right words to ask at this curious age might be a challenge. Sometimes, it can be a matter of getting them to speak slowly and carefully, as my next story illustrates.
We had twins in our family, and we still laugh about the day before Valentine’s Day when they were about five. I was designated to help these two get their valentines ready for kindergarten. I believe both were in speech therapy, as they had their own language. My brother insisted that he wanted to send “fatty one.” We named every heavy person on the bus, in his class, and in the neighborhood. No luck, and he got red in the face and repeated it, over and over, “I want to send fatty one.” Finally, we figured it out with the help of the other twin. For some reason, he wanted to send thirty-one valentines, so I am sure some of his classmates got more than one from him that year.
Another challenge is teaching young minds listening skills.
Intently listening will serve them in every area of their lives. Try reading to them while they have their eyes closed. Ask them to imagine the scenes and characters and tell you about them. This simple exercise should improve listening skills. Modeling good listening will, of course, help the most.
The wisdom of scripture should guide the art of great questions.
Here are a few Bible stories which you can share with young children. There are so many in in the Bible, and the site where these great images came from has many to choose from and they are royalty free along with stories. Plus they provide them in many different languages.
These stories show how biblical figures exemplify the power of asking questions. Some even convey how to pause to gain wisdom, understanding, and faith before they respond. These stories will continue to guide children on their journeys of discovery.
- Moses and the Burning Bush:
What did Moses do when he encountered a burning bush in the wilderness? He paused to investigate the strange sight. As he approached, a voice from the bush spoke to him, revealing itself as God. Moses questioned God’s plan to free the Israelites from Egypt. Wondering how he, a mere shepherd, could lead his people. Despite his doubts, Moses paused to listen to God’s guidance. Moses became a great leader who led his people to freedom. His willingness to ask questions and seek divine guidance inspires us. As we face uncertainty in our journeys. (For more, see Exodus 3:1–15)
2. Nicodemus’ Nighttime Inquiry:
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. He approached Jesus in darkness because he didn’t want the other Pharisees to know he had questions. Nicodemus asked Jesus about the concept of being “born again.” Despite his position and knowledge, Nicodemus sought wisdom from Jesus. He took time to engage in a deep and meaningful conversation with Jesus. And Jesus’ response about spiritual rebirth left Nicodemus with much to think about. He had a willingness to ask questions. And he took the time to listen in pursuit of spiritual understanding. He is a valuable example for seekers of truth. (For more, see John 3:1–21)
3. Thomas’ Doubt and Faith:
After Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples were in despair. When his fellow disciples told Thomas they had seen Jesus resurrected. Thomas is known as “Doubting Thomas” because he expressed skepticism. He wanted evidence and asked to see Jesus’ wounds. Jesus, understanding Thomas’ need for proof. Appeared to him and invited him to touch His wounds. Upon seeing and touching Jesus, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas’s doubt, his questions, and his willingness to wait. When he felt the evidence, it led to a profound moment of faith. Asking questions and seeking proof leads to deeper faith and understanding. (For more, see John 20:19–31)
Great questions can lead to deeper understanding and spiritual growth as children grow.
Biblical principles align with the importance of teaching how to ask great questions.
- Developing Discernment and Wisdom:
And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:3–5 NIV)
- Teaching great questions nurtures a spirit of inquiry.
- Also, it helps young people to seek divine wisdom in their quest for knowledge.
2. Enhancing Faith and Understanding:
Jesus instructs us in Matthew to;
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NIV)
Teaching how to form great questions;
- invites children to seek a deeper understanding of their faith,
- Bringing them into a closer relationship with God.
3. Encouraging Humility and Reverence:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3: 5–6 NIV)
In their teen years, great questions will instill humility;
- by reminding them they do not have all the answers.
- And that pursuing knowledge is a lifelong journey guided by the Holy Spirit.
The Power of the Pause
How do we teach the pause’s profound wisdom to our children?
The “power of the pause” resonates with these Christian principles:
- Reflection,
- And of prayer,
- And discernment.
Let’s see how this aligns with biblical teachings.
- Seeking God’s Guidance: The Psalmist implores us to;
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 NIV)
The power of the pause:
- Encourages children to reflect.
- And to seek God’s guidance in their decisions.
2. Avoiding Hasty Judgments: As Proverbs 19:2 reminds us,
It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way. (Proverbs 19:2 NIV)
Pausing before responding:
- Allows us to avoid quick judgments.
- And seek God’s wisdom in our interactions.
3. Exercising Patience and Love:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:4–5 NIV)
And the power of the pause:
- Helps us all to respond in a manner that reflects Christ’s love and patience.
By teaching these principles to our children:
- We empower them to navigate their spiritual journey with faith,
- With humility,
- And a deeper connection to God’s divine wisdom.
Biblical teachings encourage us to seek wisdom:
- To trust God’s understanding,
- And respond to life’s challenges with patience and love.
Start teaching children when they are young and curious. You will add more joy to both of your lives while improving their odds of success.
I have been curious to use AI to help me with content; this story is the result. I used ChatGPT to help me brainstorm and rework this article. Like many writers, I use Grammarly for spell check, and catching some of my sentence structure problems, along with the Hemingway editor. But it’s only the second time I have used ChatGPT. I hope you’ll be pleased.
