"Why? Why? Why?"

I used "Why do you think ......" as a response which worked for a little while. She either stopped asking or actually thought about it for a bit and it made the conversation a little more constructive.
Doesn't work anymore but it did have a good run.

To the climbing I just say, "Because you'll break your head open, and I do not know how to fix a broken head." Perhaps a bit graphic, but it works.

Simple requests do not require explanations from mom. Ignore it or simply and calmly repeat your request. If you 'count' your son (using 1, 2, 3) you can simply say "1" when he asks why. He'll eventually get the hint.

Every time you give him some sort of justification or engage him in dialogue about why he needs to do something only reinforces his need to pester you about his behavior.

You're right - he knows not to climb on the counter. If he asks "why" just start counting him to let him know that a consequence will be forthcoming if he keeps badgering you over this.

I agree with a combo of what other Moms said. Yes, you want to encourage his curiosity and desire to learn. Why questions are part of all that and a general way of negotiating all the unknowns in the world (of which there are many at the age of 3- or 2 or whatever). However, if it's a safety issue that has to be addressed first. "Come down off the counter and then we will discuss why."
I also have been a mom who throws the why right back at em. Use your mind. Why do YOU think? That interrupts the constant whying and creates a need for them to use their cognitive thinking, at whatever level it's at.
That said, whenever it is a genuine need to know, which I think many of these questions actually are, one should answer to the best of their ability or look it up! encourage the curiosity for sure.

Yes! This is such a normal part of development.
I would say to respond with "why do you think." or something along those lines.
Most of the time, the child knows the answer! When they ask why, they often are checking to see if their reasoning is the same as yours. So, listen to their answer & validate it if they are right, or simply let them know the correct reason.
I'd say put it on them to answer the why question. I'd also give them a better reason than "because I said so." Even a simple answer of "because it is not safe" or "you can get hurt." You can also blame other's like the police (why do i have to hold your hand to cross the street? The police man made the rule.)
Good luck!

How about this? Instead of getting irritated when your son asks a "why" question, try celebrating the fact that he is doing that. Even if his asking is rote or just to test you, and not out of actual curiosity, do it anyway. My daughter is five years old and, despite being in developmental therapy for half her life, has yet to ask me or anyone else a single "why" question. She has also addressed me as "Mommy" maybe five times - if that - in as many years.

Good luck.

B.-
My husband's granddaughter was visiting for Thanksgiving. She is 3 and is the same way. Everything was "why." It started to drive my daughter crazy (she's 12). But I explained to her that she was the same way when she was 3. That is how they learn. The brain of a 3-year-old is starting to think more complex thoughts.

When my daughter went through this, I tried very hard to not say "Because I said so," as I always hated this answer. When you get frustrated, just remember that the questions are your son's curiosity and his brain expanding. Sometimes I would turn the question around (especially if I knew she knew the answer...why do you think you should get down off the counter?).

Just keep it up. This too is just a phase.

Good luck!

-J.

I generally answer the "why" question if it requires an answer (like why is the bread hot? because it just came out of the hot oven. why can't I touch it? because it will burn you, etc) but if it's "why can't I X" then I just either answer "because you might hurt yourself" or I ignore it and move on. Often I get "why is the sky blue?" type questions, to which I just answer "because God made it that way".

ETA: the other thing to try is asking him "can you think of a reason why?"

I also like saying, "You KNOW why!" Especially for rule breaking/safety things (like climbing on a counter).

Over time, you'll know when "Why" is a genuine question or a stalling tactic.

First he gets down. Then he can hear all about why, if you are in the mood. Better yet, first he gets down, then he explains why to you. If he's trying to get attention, that will give him the attention plus reinforce in his mind why we have safety rules. If he's just trying to make you crazy, he'll probably let it drop at that point!

My FIL told me that my husband did that when he was growing up and my husband is very intelligent. So when our son asked why we always answered. I believe it is a sign of a very inquisitive child and children who are always look for the answer to something tend to do very well in school and in life.

God bless,
S.

So this isn't really advice, just relating to your situation...but when my oldest was in this stage I was trying to get all of my three small children in the car and he kept asking questions and I said, Ok, enough of the questions. He responded with "Why, mom??" I just said, "We need to get going!??!" Then I turned around and said "Why don't you have your car seat straps done?" He responded, "I have had enough of the questions." This season, as with all seasons with our precious children are short in the big scheme of things. Asking questions is how they learn to understand the world, and what better person to explain that than you!