Stop Giving Answers, Ask Powerful Questions Instead

Good questions make you think, and powerful questions can lead to a question being answered on its own.

In the rush to answer questions, we often miss the opportunity to ask them. This is so vital because questions play a crucial part in the Hero’s Journey and the development of self discovery and learning. It puts the power back into the hands of the “asker” so they can be guided through careful thought, to an answer.

Many times we view being asked a question particularly from children as a moment to clear all uncertainty and give them a direct answer to appease them. However this can be harmful as it kills the thought process and kills individual expression. It does not guide children to use their imagination or want to explore deeper topics.

This is far from what we want as we support our children’s educations and embrace student led learning. Every time YOU answer your child, YOU are doing the thinking when YOU give the answer. Instead, try asking your child questions that spark room for conversation, growth, and thinking.

For example, your child asks: “Why is the sky blue?” In that moment you have the opportunity to guide them towards deeper curiosity. You could respond by saying something like this: “Why do you think the sky is blue?” or “Hmmm, where could we learn more about the sky and why it is blue?”

Believe it or not, you may be surprised and pleased with the results! You may see that your child will start to answer their own questions or even be inclined to research more themselves. This is learning at its purest.