“But why?” Every parent of toddler and teen parent grimaces. In each stage the “why” question represents something deeper. At times a rebellious heart refusing to submit to healthy leadership in the home. But in older stages, the “why” question actually signals an older child’s capacity for higher cognition, and, thus, higher living. 

A parent might be tempted to retort back to this “why” with “Because I said so!”, and, to the younger child, that might suffice for a time. But for the older child, they’re aching for a deeper connection. We call it the “why behind the what”. As your girl matures, offer her the respect and strong guidance of conversation about why you’re setting a goal or a boundary for her. In all things, lead her to God’s Word, our ultimate “why behind the what”. 

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: