No one warns you that the most powerful interrogation force in the universe is a toddler stuck in the “why” phase. It starts innocently enough—one or two curious questions about clouds or bugs—and suddenly spirals into a relentless cycle of existential riddles that even the internet can’t answer fast enough. Your child becomes a pint-sized philosopher with the persistence of a caffeinated journalist. And while it’s endearing (and yes, developmentally important), some of the questions they ask are downright brain-frying. Here are 11 real-life questions from my child during the “why” phase that left me speechless, confused, or reevaluating reality entirely.
1. Why do we have eyebrows?
This one came while brushing teeth, as if it were the most normal thing to ask while half-asleep. Apparently, “to keep sweat out of our eyes” wasn’t a satisfying answer. “But why doesn’t sweat just stay in your head?” my child countered. Suddenly, I was questioning the mechanics of perspiration more than I ever had in biology class. Welcome to the “why” phase, where no answer is ever quite enough.
2. Why can’t I see my own brain?
I tried the classic “because it’s inside your head,” but that led to a full-blown investigation into skulls, skin, and why mirrors can’t just show us everything. Five minutes later, we were searching for MRI machines on Google. A simple bedtime turned into a TED Talk on human anatomy. In the “why” phase, even your anatomy gets challenged.
3. Why don’t cats talk like people?
We’ve had conversations about dogs, birds, and squirrels, but cats were the hill to die on. “They have mouths, don’t they?” he argued. Suddenly, I’m trying to explain evolution and species-specific communication using only four words at a time. “They meow” wasn’t cutting it. The “why” phase turns pets into philosophical mysteries.
4. Why can’t we drink the bathwater?
After an innocent sip during tub time, my child launched into a debate about clean water, soap, and whether bathwater is actually that dirty. I tried explaining germs. He tried explaining how bubbles make the water taste better. Long story short, I lost the argument—and he still doesn’t trust my stance on hygiene.
5. Why do grown-ups drink coffee but not juice?
This was accompanied by a side-eye and suspicious tone, as if I were hiding something magical. “It helps grown-ups wake up,” I said. “So does orange juice,” he replied. And now, every time I drink coffee, I feel like I’m being silently judged by a tiny human with a juice box. The “why” phase will keep you humble.
6. Why does the moon follow us?
Driving at night becomes a full-blown science lesson the moment your child notices that the moon refuses to mind its own business. “Is it spying on us?” he asked, completely serious. “Does it like our car?” Suddenly, I’m explaining relative distance and orbit to a kid whose favorite word is “poop.”
7. Why do we have to wear clothes?
Hard to argue this one when you’re talking to someone with zero social filters and a deep love for being pants-free. “Because it’s polite” didn’t stick. “Because we’d be cold” turned into “But not in summer!” Eventually, I gave up and just started muttering something about rules and society while handing over underwear.
8. Why do people get old?
This one hit at breakfast, between bites of waffles and strawberries. “Everyone gets older” led to “But why? And what if I don’t want to?” I panicked and landed somewhere between poetic and medically inaccurate. The “why” phase doesn’t shy away from mortality—it jumps right in.
9. Why are some words bad?
Ah, the classic. The first time your kid hears a “bad word” (thanks, YouTube or a stubbed parental toe), you’re suddenly responsible for linguistics, morality, and social contracts. “Because some words hurt people’s feelings” turned into “Then why do grown-ups use them?” And I, once again, was exposed as a hypocrite.
10. Why do we have to go to sleep?
This one never gets old—and it never ends. “To rest your body” was met with “But I’m not tired.” “Your brain needs to rest, too,” got a side-eye and an audible sigh. And when I said, “Everyone needs sleep,” he proudly replied, “Not owls.”
11. Why is it called a hamburger if there’s no ham?
Genuinely excellent question. And no, I didn’t have an answer beyond “because it’s named after Hamburg, Germany,” which just opened a whole new can of worms. “So is it German food?” “Well, not really…” Honestly, I gave up and just said, “Good point, buddy.” Sometimes, the “why” phase wins.
Why This Phase Might Actually Be the Best
The “why” phase can leave your brain spinning and your patience tested, but it also shows something beautiful—your child is curious, imaginative, and hungry to understand the world. These endless questions aren’t meant to stump you (even if they do). They’re how your child connects the dots, figures things out, and builds a foundation for lifelong learning. Sure, it’s exhausting, but these moments of wide-eyed wonder and offbeat logic are fleeting. One day, you’ll miss being asked why the moon has a face or why spoons aren’t forks.
What’s the most unexpected question your child asked during the “why” phase? Share the ones that left you speechless in the comments!
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The post The “Why” Phase: 11 Questions From My Kid That Short-Circuited My Brain appeared first on Everybody Loves Your Money.
