Some kids ask “why” because they understand the question and want to know more, but that isn’t the only reason.
Asking “why” tends to result in people talking to you. Ever hear a kid ask “why” over and over again without caring about the answer? They may have been asking the question because it provides them with attention. It’s a single word that nearly guarantees an adult will talk to you, and sometimes that’s all a kid really wants.
Quokka@quokk.au 2 days ago
I work with babies under 1, even they can point to pictures to “ask” me to name them. Knowing others know stuff is basic.
Theory of Mind isnt something we use in my field, but from a quick glance it’s knowing other people have minds, that they have their own desires, feelings, thoughts, etc not that they know information.
In ECEC terms we would think of that as the end of their egocentric stage. Usually seen around 1-3.