Your 6-Year-Old: The endless

The endless "Why?"

Six-year-olds ask lots of questions — they're the fruits of her growing abstract reasoning and the keen observations she's constantly making. Some of these why-is-the-sky-blue queries can be tough to answer, especially when they catch you off guard. But the fact that she asked means she's exploring her world, just the way she's supposed to do.

Your 6-year-old now
Do you find yourself playing Dr. Phil to your increasingly curious child, fielding questions about tough topics like whether God exists or why some people are fat? Your child is not only curious about abstract issues, she can now articulate such thoughts better.

When you feel put on the spot, it's okay to stall for time, so long as you do follow-up: "That's a good question. We're almost to school now, but let's talk about it more when you come home." Never get upset at a child for raising any topic. She needs to know she can come to you with anything.

Keep explanations simple. While preschoolers can ask abstract questions, they can't understand abstract answers. They're still literal, concrete thinkers for the most part.

Use their questions as a springboard for some of those difficult topics you'll have to deal with eventually anyway. For example, questions about why those people outside the shelter always look so dirty can lead to a meaningful conversation – at his level – about people who may not have as much as he does.

Do be careful about relating these conversations to other adults in your child's presence, no matter how poignant or funny they are. You don't want to make him feel self-conscious or silly for coming to you. Kids want to be taken seriously.

Your life now
Many kids don't drink enough water during the day. To encourage staying hydrated, get your child a water bottle, such as a sports bottle or one made for hiking. (Discount stores offer many types decorated with popular characters or sports teams.)

Put his name on it and let him carry it with him to school and around the house. (Be sure to wash it every day.) Doing the same yourself can help set a good example. Bonus: Your child gets in the habit of swigging plain H2O rather than soda or juice.