The way young children explore and ask relentless “whys” isn’t just them being adorable; it’s the earliest form of critical thinking. It just doesn’t come packaged in formal debates or long-winded essays. It shows up in puzzles, pretend play, and even snack-time negotiations.

So let’s tackle the big question head-on: Is your preschooler too young for critical thinking? Not only is the answer “no,” but it turns out preschool is the best time to start.