My child asks lots of science questions that I can't answer.

As parents, it can be uncomfortable when your child asks you a question that you don’t know the answer to! Rather than make something up, it’s okay to let your child know that adults don’t always have all the answers. Admitting you are unsure teaches your child that is okay to be honest when you don’t know the answer to a question. It is also a wonderful opportunity to show your child how to use different resources to find the answer to his/her scientific question – the library, the Internet, a visit to the science museum, conducting your own science experiment. If you don’t have time at the moment to help your child find the answer to his question, write it down in a special place so the two of you will remember to make a time to research an answer. Another fun idea is to keep a log of the questions and answers you explore together!

Jennie Ito, Ph.D.

Child Development Expert

Jennie Ito is a mother of two and a child development consultant who specializes in children’s play and toys. Before becoming a consultant for LeapFrog, she was an intern at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and later worked as a content expert for the Association of Children’s Museum’s “Playing for Keeps” Play Initiative. Jennie earned her doctorate degree in developmental psychology at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.