A new survey of 500 parents with children aged two to four has revealed that 94% believe their toddler's curiosity knows no bounds. Common questions leaving mums and dads baffled include 'where does the sun go at night?', 'why do birds fly but we can't?', and 'do animals have friends?'.
Rather than admit uncertainty, one in five parents (19%) have invented responses, while 23% have turned to online searches. Only 16% confessed to not knowing the answer. Nearly a quarter (23%) have been asked if it's possible to touch a rainbow, and 20% whether birds ever get lost.
Questions about health and the human body are most likely to stump parents (18%), followed by queries on how everyday items function (17%). When faced with challenging questions, 45% of parents have sought help from ChatGPT or other AI tools.
Jenny Shaw, academic lead at early years childcare provider Busy Bees, which commissioned the study, said: 'Children's natural curiosity is one of the most powerful tools they have for learning about the world around them. By encouraging curiosity both at nursery and at home, we can inspire a lifelong love of learning.'
The study also found that 86% of parents have learned something new because of their child's questions, and 78% said a query changed their perspective on something. Busy Bees has launched an online Curiosity Camp to help families explore together.
