74 HAWAII PARENT September/October 2025 right answer and being penalized for our mistakes. Test anxiety may cause children to ask, “Why are grades so important?”. Thoughtful discussions on why grades never define a child’s worth may be precisely what an anxious child needs to hear to reduce their dreaded fear of feeling that their grades represent their intelligence. The Hidden Gift of Patience Children feel valued when parents take the time to listen to their ever-expanding list of “why” questions. For busy parents who dread being asked question after question after a long day of work, household chores, and checking homework, practicing patience by indulging in their children’s natural curiosity has hidden gifts. Inquisitive young minds can create special parent-child connections while also fostering intellectual growth. You Don’t Need All the Answers Parents do not have to have all the answers to their children’s questions. Pause and take a deep breath. Take several deep breaths. Resist the temptation to offer an answer. Find the opportunity to turn these “why” questions into an intriguing discussion. Perhaps asking curious children what they think may be a way to satisfy their inquisitiveness. Let AI Spark Conversations and Critical Thinking Experimenting with ChatGPT and other AI options can provide a buffet of answers, teaching children how to research any topic and how to recognize when AI may not always have the right answers. It’s also a life lesson to acknowledge that sometimes the value of learning involves exploring, rather than finding the correct answer. School is focused on finding the "Use their 'why' questions to spark curiosity — ask what they think and turn it into a fun discussion." Answering their ‘whys’ helps nurture confidence, language skills, and cognitive growth.
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