Understanding Child Development

Take our Authoritative Parenting Test

Find a child or adolescent therapist near me

A grandchild’s “Why?” can help grandparents rediscover wonder.

Curious grandparents are often more flexible, less judgmental, and more connected to the world.

Slowing down with grandchildren supports connection and brain health.

My 2 ½-year-old grandson is now at the developmental stage of asking “What’s that?” and “Why?” His curiosity about the world is exploding, and it’s so enjoyable looking at the world through his eyes. Every question answered is followed by a “But why?”

As a psychologist, I know it reflects a normative developmental stage in which curiosity drives learning. As a grandfather, it brings such joy and excitement to watch him figure out and understand the world around him.

This got me thinking about the importance of grandparents themselves remaining curious—not only about their grandchild’s thoughts and experiences, but also about their own world.

Curiosity is not only a developmental task for children but may also be one of the healthiest emotional tasks for grandparents. Curious grandparents tend to be less judgmental, more adaptable, and more connected to the people they love.

From a psychological perspective, curiosity communicates:

The world is interesting and safe to explore.

Learning is something we can do together.

In my clinical practice working with........

© Psychology Today