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9 Benefits of Asking Questions instead of Giving Answers

by Jane Bluestein, Ph.D.

Questions help children explore dimensions of a problem.

Questions help children explore their available options.

Questions help children identify their goals and intentions.

Questions draw solutions from the child.

Questions communicate your trust in the child’s ability to solve a problem.

Questions place the responsibility for finding a solution on the child.

Questions allow you to help the child anticipate probable outcomes of various choices, helping her evaluate the choices she has.

Questions build confidence and independence in problem solving.

The process of asking instead of telling puts you in the role of facilitator or guide, rather than rescuer. It helps build skills and confidence kids can rely on when an adult isn’t around to tell them what to do.

Imagine the learning your child can experience when you ask questions like, “How would you like your friend to treat you?” “What have you already tried?” “What else can you do?” “What might happen if you do that?” “How will you feel if that happens?” or “What else can you do?” Compare this process to what she learns when you simply say, “Well, just ignore her,” or “Go play with somebody else.” Even though a solution might be quite evident to you, there is great value in your child exploring the problem and possible solutions with you as her guide!

Excerpt from The Parent’s Little Book of Lists: Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Parenting, by Jane Bluestein, Ph.D., © 1997, Health Communications, Inc., Deerfield Beach, FL.

Buy this book.

This page is also available in Spanish and French.

Related handout with alternatives to advice giving: Ask—Don’t Tell

Click here for more articles and excerpts.

Click here for a list of handouts by Jane Bluestein, Ph.D.