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my boys always have to ask why to everything.

When i ask them to do something for me.

Question applies to ages: 9, 18

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avatarJenny.eduguide
# of Thumbs Up Received (76)		 I have four kids myself, and every single one of them, from ages 17 to 6 ask that of me also. Personally, I think it is just a stalling technique to help delay the inevitable aid I've asked them to give me.

The truth is that:
A) we don't have to tell them why, regardless of how unfair they think is
B) it doesn't matter what answer we give them, it won't be good enough anyway.

The other day I asked my 10-year-old to walk the dog and he said, "Why am I the only one who has to walk Peanut? No one else ever has to do it." Now, he knows that when we got the dog he swore up and down that he'd be the one to always walk the dog and he would NEVER complain, but that lasted about 2 weeks.

The one thing that really bothers me is this question: "Why can't you do it?" My initial response to this is always, "You have GOT to be kidding me!" But, I just smile and say, "Because you're so much better at it." They'll get the hint.

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avatarElizabeth.Johns
# of Thumbs Up Received (76)		 I think all kids ask "why" when their parents ask them to do something, and as Jenny suggested, it's just a stall tactic.

A good strategy to combat it might be to come up with a series of stock answers that you pull out whenever they ask "why." IF they're smart, they'll catch on after a while and decide it's easier to stop asking "why" than putting up with your corny answers. Some possible phrases could be:

"because I'm in a mom's contest to see who can give their kid the most chores"

"because you're so much better at it than I am" (this is from Jenny and I love it)

"because the Merry Maids are on vacation this week"

"because it's my job to prepare you for adult responsibibilities"

"because in this house, everyone pitches in"

"because all the fun jobs were already taken"

"because I like you"

"because it's Give Your Kid a Chore Day"

You get the idea.

References:
mom of four, from 18 to 6
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avatarBridgette
# of Thumbs Up Received (41)		 Another possible response is: "I'll tell you why as soon as you've done it."

That lets them know it is OK to ask questions, but not OK to try to get out of responsibilities.
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