Hardest questions kids ask include ‘where do babies come from’ and why we die

A POLL of 1,000 mums and dads of children aged three to eight across the UK found they’ll have to answer an average of six tricky questions a day from their little one.

In fact, five-year-olds were found to be the most curious of all, with parents reporting their children asked more questions at this age than at any other point in their early childhood.

‘Why do we dream?’, ‘Why can’t animals talk?’ and ‘How does Santa get to every house in one night?’ are also among the other frequently posed abstract questions.

While 90 per cent enjoy their curiosity, the same percentage also admitted to secretly looking up the answer because they were unsure what to say.

And 24 per cent of the total questions asked will be too difficult for the average parent to answer.

The research was commissioned by the Mr Men Little Miss series to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Mr Tickle, which began when Roger Hargreaves turned his son’s question “What does a tickle look like?” into the iconic character.

His son, Adam Hargreaves, now the author of the iconic and illustrator, said: “My father recognised children’s wonderful sense of curiosity and imagination and he explored these to create Mr Men Little Miss.

“While parents may not always have the answers to those impossible questions their children like to test them with, those everyday conversations play an important role in helping children to learn and stay curious.

“It’s lovely to see children embracing their personalities and finding fun in exploring life through asking questions as I did when I asked my dad what a tickle looked like.

“If you don’t ask, you won’t know!”

The study also found 48 per cent of parents believe their child asks more open-ended and imaginative questions as they get older.

For many, this shift became noticeable when their kid reached the age of six.

But 26 per cent ‘often’ give an answer to a question posed by their offspring which they’re not sure is correct.

For 39 per cent, their child asks a question which catches them off guard or makes them stop and think several times a week or more.

Almost four in 10 (43 per cent) usually stop what they’re doing to discuss the topic with them, while 37 per cent give them a brief answer and move on.

It also emerged 72 per cent are worried about their children losing their sense of wonder and curiosity as they grow older.

But almost all parents (95 per cent) think it’s important to encourage and nurture their children’s curious, imaginative way of thinking.

The study, carried out via OnePoll.com, found 57 per cent believe kids today are generally more curious than when they were a child.

And 34 per cent would be less confident in answering questions around life and death, while 24 per cent would struggle with questions around and beliefs.

The book series is hosting a gallery of children’s ‘big little questions’ for the anniversary, to remind families to take inspiration from the wonderful things children say before they’re forgotten.

A spokesperson for Sanrio, which owns the licensing rights for Mr Men and Little Miss, said: “Children today are full of big ideas and even bigger questions, and that natural curiosity is something worth celebrating.

“When they feel encouraged to ask questions, they’re not just learning facts, they’re developing confidence, creativity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

“This is why we’re so excited to launch the Big Little Questions online gallery, to encourage mums and dads to treasure the imaginative things their kids say.”