Some years ago, I asked my sister Kathleen, in her 80’s then, what is the one thing you hope you never lose?’

The response: I hope I never lose the curiosity of a child. She never did.  When I hear adults say to a child, ‘stop asking so many questions,” I think of Kathleen’s wise wish.

There used to be two signs in my office.  One said “Life belongs to the learners.  The learned wake up one day and find they live in a world that no longer exists.”  That day has arrived. The other read ‘There has been an alarming increase in the things I know nothing about.’  A reminder to ask questions.  Talk with the new knowledge seekers.

Young children, I’m told, ask from 200 to 400 questions a day.  That number diminishes as they grow older. Why?  Too many ‘stop asking so many questions, or ‘because I said so,’ responses?

More ‘mature’ friends will remember the show, “Kids Say the Darndest Things.’  I changed that to ‘Kids Ask the Darndest Questions.’  My notebook of our ‘kids’ questions is a fun read on a rainy day.  Asking questions is how we learn.  And, my opinion: Answers from a parent or friend are likely to be remembered more than answers from Google.

So, what’s your question?  Mine is, ‘how do I keep up with these smart kids?’ Suggestions appreciated.

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