How to Answer Kids' Questions About Dinosaurs

When your little learner runs up to you asking, "Mommy, how long ago did Allosaurus live?" or, "what did Diploducus eat?" you may feel ill-equipped to give her an accurate answer. Instead of saying, "Gee, I don't know" or simply making up your own answer that may -- or may not -- be right, get the facts that will allow you to respond to your dinosaur questions without giving her misinformation. Whether you help her to look up the answers that neither of you know or you brush up on your paleo basics, answering your child's dino-related questions should always include the correct information that she's looking for.

Instructions

    • 1

      Listen to your child's questions, making sure that you really understand what he is asking. Ask him to repeat words that sound unfamiliar to you, such as dinosaur names that he might not say 100 percent correctly. Repeat his question back to him, paraphrasing it, to make sure that you are helping him to find an answer to his actual question.

    • 2

      Visit an authoritative website on the subject such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History or the U.S. Geological Survey. Avoid unknown sites or those that don't have a verifiable author, opting for government or educational institution websites instead.

    • 3

      Browse your chosen website -- or websites -- for the information that your child is looking for with her. Click on time periods or specific dinosaur names to get answers to some of her toughest questions.

    • 4

      Read an age-appropriate dinosaur non-fiction book to your child, such as "National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books of Dinosaurs" by Catherine D. Hughes for your toddler or preschool-aged-child or "Dinosaurs" by David Lambert for your grade schooler. Choose a book that features both pictures and words.

    • 5

      Take a trip to see the experts. Visit your local natural history museum or sign your child up for a dinosaur-themed class at a science center.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Activities for Children for Overcoming Fear
      Children have a different perspective of the world than adults. It is normal for most children to develop fears at one time or another. Children may develop fears that require your guidance to overcome. Fear of the dark is a relatively common childho
    • How to Make a Personal Timeline for a Child
      A personal timeline is a great way to help a child reflect on how much she has grown and accomplished. Self-esteem is the collection of beliefs or feelings we have about ourselves, according to KidsHealth.org. Seeing her accomplishments documented in
    • Egg Allergy