
I was trying to remember when my now eight year-old
grandson last asked me, “Why?” And I
couldn’t remember any time since I introduced him to Balboa Island, its Ferry
and the famous Balboa Bars. I think he
was four or five. That short trip
elicited at least five “Why?” questions.

Of course it was more difficult to find answers
ourselves then. Google has replaced the
Encyclopedia. Kids own Smart Phones with
internet access as early as nine (maybe earlier). And adults have less time or inclination to
become the reservoir of knowledge.
Teachers with stricter demands to teach to test, have more structure and
less opportunity to answer individual questions.
And maybe there is less wonder at what is happening
outside themselves.
![]() |
Hubble Telescope |

I shared my concern with my younger son, who has
taught elementary students for almost fifteen years now. He told me not to worry. That Ethan asks him “Why?” questions all the
time. That there are probably three
reasons I haven’t noticed his curiosity: I am not his recognized source of
knowledge, the time we spend together is often time shared with his brother
and/or father, and answers I may have given in the past were too long, complex,
or vague for him to understand well.
“With kids, you have to keep it simple.”
I asked what kind of “Why?” questions he asks. Tim said, “Start with the most common one, ‘Why
is the sky blue?’”
“How did you answer?” I ask.
“Water. Water
disperses the sun, much like a prism.”
I feel better already. My answer would have taken five minutes.
In my next post I will share some knowledge of a
group I belong to: the American Institute of Wine and Food, which I have been
asked to do a presentation on for a book group discussing one of the founders,
Julia Child.
I think you will find it interesting and hope you
will join me.
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