WHY????

[Maenad]

AAARGH. How long is my 3yo dd likely to keep asking 'Why...?'? Is there any way to stop her before I batter her to death?

It's not even as if she's asking sensible questions. Every 4th word is 'Why....'.

Why did the dog poo? Why did it go on the pushchair? Why did I bring my dolly? Why shall we go home? Why is it a good idea to have hot chocolate?

AAAARGH.

There is no way to stop her.

DS1: Why do monkeys have 4 legs?
Me: So they can walk.
DS1: Why do monkeys have 4 legs so they can walk?
Me: AAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

He's still at it now and he's nearly 9.

Although he's added "how...?" to the repertoire.

Oh God, really? Kill me now.

Turn it back on her and make her think.

Why do you think you brought your dolly? Etc

Play her at her own game! Just say, 'why do you think?' I always used to get, 'what are you doing mummy?' when it was obvious what I was doing. So I always said, 'having a bath.' Soon stopped her!

Oh yes, Ds1 is almost 10 and he's still at it. DS2 is worse though.
Why do no polar bears live in the South pole?
Why does Dr WHo not do x,y or z.?
Why do Power rangers not do this?
Why can Daleks not do that?
Constantly, from 3.30 till bedtime. He's 8!

I do, and she usually has a sensible answer. But it doesn't stop her doing it over and over and over again until I want to scream. And if it isn't 'Why...' it's 'What would happen if it didn't.... poo/have legs/fall over?'

I am very depressed to think this will go on till she is 9.

Oops sorry cross posted.... was responding to Angharad before. I like your idea Maureen... may try that next time.

Saltire, I want to cry.

I do think some children do this more than others. Ds is one that does oh joy!

As well as the usual why to eveything ad nauseum my personal favourite is him asking why about things he has asked to to do or suggested himself.

Example

Ds 'Mummy I'm getting up now'
Me 'O good'
Ds 'Mummy why am I getting up?'

or

Ds 'Mummy I want a drink please'
Me 'Here you are'
Ds . Mummy why have I got a drink?'

To my shame I have once or twice found myself saying 'oh for goodness sake can you stop asking questions just for 2 mins' .

Then of course I feel like a terrible parent squashing my child's enthusiasm for life and all that but it is just so relentless!

Exactly, Lazycow. My dd constantly asks about things she is doing herself. Especially when she's a bit tired, I think.

I keep hearing myself saying tetchily 'I don't know. I think only you can answer that one really,' which as you say feels mean and bad parentish but there is only so much you can take.

I can't work out whether she's asking out of enthusiasm for life or the opposite... maybe if I kept her busier she wouldn't stop to ask nonsensical questions? I'm not sure which is more tiring - constant activity or constant questions!

.... and oh ffs b*dy broadband connection keeps disappearing...