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Why I Choose to Work: Answering My Almost 5-Year-Old Daughter's Tough Questions

It's a drizzly summer morning in the Netherlands—not uncommon during vacation season here. My nearly 5-year-old daughter sits coloring another Elsa picture, lost in her imagination. Her thoughts can range from Frozen characters to the stars above, but today, they're grounded closer to home. She boldly asks why I want to work, sparking a cascade of challenging questions.

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Why I choose to work

A barrage of questions

As a parent, do you know those moments when your child's curiosity unleashes a flurry of questions, requiring thoughtful answers? Her query about why I work is one such instance. I have to choose my words carefully—keep reading to find out why.

Naturally, her child's logic boils it down simply, leaving me to navigate deeper.

And then...

For a brief second, I thought I'd sidestepped it—silly me!

See, I'm handling it properly! Like every Disney tale, I weave in a life lesson. Now she gets why I work, right? We can wrap up the questioning. Or can we?

All that's left is tackling the final piece...

Seeing this curiosity in your own child

Every parent encounters these inquisitive moments—they strike unexpectedly, prompting reflection and heartfelt responses.

Related read: Child talk: 5 things you’d rather not hear from your child

What's a memorable question from your little one? I'd love to hear your stories!