Three-year-olds are inquisitive by nature, constantly seeking to understand the world around them. Asking “why” is a way for them to gather information and make sense of their experiences. They may not comprehend complex explanations but prefer simple, concrete answers that relate to their immediate context.

It’s common for preschoolers to ask abstract questions without expecting detailed answers. Encourage their curiosity by acknowledging their question and suggesting ways to explore further, such as reading books together or conducting simple experiments. Honoring their inquiries helps foster critical thinking skills and a love for learning.

At this age, children’s reasoning is still developing, and they tend to approach problems from a one-sided perspective. They may have difficulty considering multiple factors simultaneously. For instance, they might believe a taller container holds more water, overlooking the importance of width. This understanding typically evolves as they grow older and gain cognitive flexibility.