For Children, Nothing Is Out of the Question

Most kids have a natural curiosity that is absolutely endearing. Most of the time. There are, however, those inappropriate times when children pose questions to complete strangers that feel a bit, well, awkward. My daughter would (and still does) ask anyone just about anything, so I'm always on guard when I notice the little wheels in her head start to spin and we're in public. I know (and sincerely hope) my children are not alone in this — has your tot ever asked a stranger any of these questions? Source: Flickr user Lance Shields (aka Juria Yoshikawa in SL)

Are You Pregnant?

Are You Pregnant?

After many of my friends were pregnant, my daughter would ask anyone with a bigger belly if they had a baby in their bellies — man or woman. Source: Flickr user Angie Garrett

Are You Dead?

Are You Dead?

My daughter went through a phase where she was totally intrigued by death — and so I explained to her that sometimes people get old and die. Not too long after, she proceeded to ask a nice older woman at the store if she was dead. Source: Flickr user David Amsler

Are You Dressed Up For Halloween?

Are You Dressed Up For Halloween?

My daughter once asked a lady decked out in leopard print at Target if she was dressed up as a cat for Halloween. It wasn't even October. And no, she wasn't. Source: Flickr user Matthew Kenwrick

Are You a Boy or a Girl?

Are You a Boy or a Girl?

From early on, a lot of kids use hair length as a determination of gender. So when people start mixing things up, it confuses the tots, and they're not afraid to let you — or the person in question — know. Source: Flickr user Garry Knight

Were You in the Pool Too Long?

Were You in the Pool Too Long?

When this one happened, the nice lady did not understand the question (hopefully it's because she didn't really hear it) and I scrambled to cover it up by saying, "Oh, she just was wondering if you love the pool . . . " Source: Flickr user Amelia Wells

Why Are You Smoking?

Why Are You Smoking?

Yes, I taught my child the dangers of smoking (perhaps a bit early). No, I did not realize she would then question why anyone would smoke, but especially those actually in the act of smoking. Source: Flickr user LawPrieR

Why Do You Have a Braid on Your Face?

Why Do You Have a Braid on Your Face?

. . . said my daughter to a man decked out 100 percent in Harley-Davidson gear. But don't worry, she proceeded to tell him that she loves princess braids too. Source: Flickr user Dana

What Happened to Your Hair?

What Happened to Your Hair?

This is a common one; kids are pretty in tune to others' hair, and when it's not there, well, they want to know why not. Source: Flickr user Adrian Scottow

Did You Fart? What Is That Smell?

Did You Fart? What Is That Smell?

One time when I was at the store, a child in line in front of me loudly proclaimed "someone farted" (someone did, it stunk) and then asked everyone in line, "Who did it? You hafta say excuse me!" Source: Flickr user Lance Shields (aka Juria Yoshikawa in SL)

Are You Santa Claus?

Are You Santa Claus?

You never realize how many people walk this earth who look a whole lot like Santa until you have a curious child. Source: Flickr user Gareth Williams

Why Are Your Teeth Dirty?

Why Are Your Teeth Dirty?

To kids, it's a simple equation: brush your teeth and they stay clean. Having not experienced the staining that life can leave on a smile, "Why are your teeth dirty?" is actually a common question from children. My niece even went so far as to ask my mom (sorry Mom) if she ate poop. Source: Flickr user Rupert Taylor-Price

Why Are You [Insert Color Here]?

Why Are You [Insert Color Here]?

Black, white, brown, blue, tan? I've heard it all. To most kids, color of skin is just that, color of skin. They're curious about the differences in the way people look, and they're not afraid to ask. Source: Fllickr user Kinshuk Sunil

Are You a Real Pirate?

Are You a Real Pirate?

To a kid, eye patch equals pirate. But wait, Mom says pirates aren't real. Enter question. Source: Flickr user ORBIS EMEA Saving Sight Worldwide

Do You Want My Mom's Phone Number/Address?

Do You Want My Mom's Phone Number/Address?

A friendly child who's newly learned her mom's phone number and address just loves to share. Source: Flickr user U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District

Where Are Your Kids?

Where Are Your Kids?

There was a point when my daughter was obsessed with other adults' family status and would immediately ask a childless man, woman, or couple: "Where are your kids?" Source: Flickr user Garry Knight

What Is That [Insert Basically Anything Here]?

What Is That [Insert Basically Anything Here]?

Scar, birthmark, mole, tattoo, piercing, sunburn, church ashes, cast, bandage . . . Source: Flickr user Laura Lewis