The questions that stopped me in my tracks.

“Children see magic because they look for it.” – Christopher Moore

Over time, I’ve discovered that children are brutally honest and endlessly curious. Their way of thinking often brings a smile to my face, and sometimes, they ask questions that make me pause and reflect. Let me share the questions  that stopped me in my tracks at times.

Icebreakers: 30 Funny Questions.

When a new group starts at Breadfruit House, we play a game called 30 Funny Questions. It’s a simple, lighthearted way to break the ice and help children feel comfortable in their new environment.

The questions are designed to spark their imagination. We ask things like, “What is your superpower?” or “What would you do if you were invisible?” or “What do you like to do on a rainy day?” For the “invisible” question, I always answer, “I would tickle everyone!” That answer never fails to make the children laugh and sets the tone that any response is okay—there’s no pressure here.

After a few rounds, the tables turn, and the children are invited to ask me questions. Most of those questions are preciously predictable, such as “Are you married?” “Do you have siblings?” or “What’s your favorite color?”

Children’s curiosity is so sincere.

Children’s questions often stem from curiosity. Once, when I used to wear pressure socks daily, a boy asked, “Is that your skin?” I explained they were special socks I had to wear, even though I didn’t like them. He asked then me genuinely curious: “Then why do you wear them if you don’t like them?” He touched the socks and remarked, “They feel funny, Miss. I would take them off.”

The magic of  hugs.

Most children love hugs, and I often start receiving them as early as the second session when they feel more familiar with Breadfruit House. My rule is to let the child decide when the hug ends, giving them full control over the moment.

Some hugs are especially memorable. There was the graduation hug: at the program’s final session, we celebrate with treats and certificates of participation. After receiving her certificate, one girl hugged me tightly and whispered, “I want to stay here forever.” I had to fight back tears at that moment.

Then there was the unexpected hug: in the middle of a session, a little girl hugged me silently for minutes. When I asked if she was okay, she said, “I just like to hug you.” Maybe she didn’t have the words to express her emotions, but that extended embrace spoke volumes.

Funny, and quite refreshing questions.

Sometimes, the children’s comments or questions make me laugh out loud. Here are some of the gems I’ve heard:

“Miss, did you get a haircut? You look like a boy now!”
“Miss, you’re sweating. Did you run? Let me wipe your face for you.”
“Miss, where are your dog and cat?” Me: “Which ones?” “The ones in the picture on the wall.”
“Miss, if you’re not doing anything tomorrow, can we come back?”
“Miss, can we have a sleepover at your house?”
“Miss, look at your nails. My aunty is a nail tech. I can take you. She lives close.” (To be fair, I did need a manicure that time.)
“Miss, I like your mystery cake. But what is it?” (That was the time I froze a few cakes without labeling them.)
“Miss, can I play with these?” (pointing at my flappy upper arms)

These moments remind me how openly and honestly children see the world, teaching us to do the same.

The question that truly stopped me.

Sometimes, a question stops you in your tracks, leaving you humbled or speechless.

One such moment came when a child asked, “Miss if you like arts and crafts too, why don’t you join in with us?” My answer was a tactful “I need to pay attention to everyone in the group,” but it made me reflect on how much I might be missing out by not joining in.

Then, there was the unexpected: “Miss, when was your last period?” This question left me silent for a moment. I gently explained it was not an appropriate question. Still, the group’s curiosity turned into a discussion about what a period is. I quickly answered: “It’s the dot at the end of a sentence!” This was definitely am unexpected question that stopped me in my tracks.

Seeing the world through children’s eyes.

These interactions remind me of the magic of seeing the world through a child’s eyes. Their questions reflect their dreams, fears, and desire to understand the world, often teaching us, the adults, more than we expect. Every question, hug, and giggle is a lesson in curiosity, compassion, and the beauty of being present.

Do you want to be part of the magic?

At Breadfruit House, we believe in nurturing children’s curiosity and helping them feel safe to express themselves. Want to be part of the magic? Visit our website here to learn more about our programs or support our mission. Together, we can inspire the next generation to continue to see the world with wonder.

‘ See you’ at the next blog!