Parents face an average of six tricky questions a day from children aged three to eight, with 24% too difficult to answer. The top 20 list includes 'Where do babies come from?' and 'What happens when 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.
Parents admit to looking up answers
While 90% enjoy their curiosity, the same percentage also admitted to secretly looking up the answer because they were unsure what to say. And 24% 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.
Author's insight on curiosity
His son, Adam Hargreaves, now the author of the iconic books 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."
Parents' confidence and concerns
The study also found 48% of parents believe their child asks more open-ended and imaginative questions as they get older. But 26% 'often' give an answer they're not sure is correct.
For 39%, their child asks a question which catches them off guard several times a week or more. Almost four in 10 (43%) usually stop what they're doing to discuss the topic with them, while 37% give them a brief answer and move on.
It also emerged 72% are worried about their children losing their sense of wonder and curiosity as they grow older. But almost all parents (95%) think it's important to encourage and nurture their children's curious, imaginative way of thinking.
Children's curiosity compared to past generations
The study, carried out via OnePoll.com, found 57% believe kids today are generally more curious than when they were a child.
And 34% would be less confident in answering questions around life and death, while 24% would struggle with questions around religion 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."
Top 20 questions parents find difficult to answer
- Where do babies come from?
- How does Santa get to every house in one night?
- What happens when we die?
- Why do we have to go to school?
- Why can't I stay up as late as you?
- Why do people get old?
- Why is the moon following us?
- Why do people have to go to work?
- Why do we dream?
- What happens to us before we're born?
- Why can't animals talk?
- Are there aliens in space?
- Why do grown-ups make the rules?
- Why is the sky blue?
- Can animals understand what we're saying?
- Where does the sun go at night?
- Why do some people look different from me?
- Why do bad things happen to good people?
- Do pets have feelings like humans do?
- How do birds know where to fly?
