We are all called to be more childlike in how we love Christ, but what does that mean? If you’ve spent time around children, you know that often it means considering beautifully simple questions.
Genuine awe of Christ and his creation fosters a heart open to His love. This is natural in children but often lost with age and experience. How can we encourage children – and ourselves – to remain curious?
In an interview with Catholic Vote, Andrew Jaeger, a father of seven, shares his wisdom on encouraging children to seek God through asking questions.
How do I encourage questions?
As a philosophy professor at Benedictine College, Jaeger knows the importance of asking questions even if we often don’t know the answers. This is especially clear when children ask questions we can’t find a response to. “It is kind of humbling to admit to your kids that ‘I don’t know,’” Jaeger said.
But the answering of the question isn’t the most important part, Jaeger said, the most important part is the asking of the question. When children ask questions, it means they have found value in something.
Through asking questions, children explore the world in a wonderful way that God intended. To encourage this quality in children Jaeger suggests that parents should model it themselves. “It’s kind of like learning a language: ids will pick up the dialect of their parents.”
When asked how adults can introduce more wonder into their lives, Jaeger suggested reading and engaging in meaningful conversations with others. Opening yourself up to the vulnerability of asking questions is when a true connection to the world and others can happen.
“Having deliberate friendships that can open us up to other people in that type of way is part of what it is to be childlike,” Jaeger said.
And now… here are some kids’ questions submitted by CatholicVote LOOPers!
“My son asked me, ‘Why did God create weeds?’ He was 10 at the time.” – Sara R.
“When my son was about 3, we were praying the Lord’s Prayer. He stopped after ‘keep us free from sin’ and said ‘Mommy, who’s sin?'” – Saunya T.
“After explaining how Jesus was on the altar at Mass as we were leaving Church, my four-year-old looked around and asked ‘Where is Jesus’ car?'” – Patti G.
“When my children were attending St Joseph’s Catholic school my son’s 5th-grade nun asked, ‘What question would you like to ask God?’ Without hesitation, his friend raised his hand and asked: ‘What is God’s last name?’ It still brings a smile 35 years later!” – Winnie F.
“Did Jesus cry when he was hungry or tired?” – Chris C.
“Remind me when I get to heaven to ask Jesus to make a planet for Godzillas to have for their own.” – Anja B.
Do you have a favorite kid moment to share? Email us at: info@catholicvote.org
