"What?", "where?", "when?", "who?". These are important questions, but they are limited to facts.

"How?" is a step forward. It opens the door to discovering the mechanisms behind what we can perceive first hand. We can get closer to the meaning, but we are still limited to facts.

It is the "why?" that offers the true possibility of discovering a meaning. Only by being able to relate facts to the reasons of their existence can we interpret their value.

Kids often ask "why?". Grown-ups seldom do. As we grow older we lose this capability. Or using the words of Sir Ken Robinson, we are educated out it.

At least two things happen. First, the ridicule associated with appearing unknowledgeable pressures us to stop asking questions, particularly those kind of questions that might make us look stupid. Second, the more experience we have, the more we believe we know the answer, even when in fact we do not.

Asking questions is a skill that atrophies if not practiced. I suggest drastic actions to remedy the problem: ask every day at least 6 questions, and at least 1 one them should be a "why?".

Keep count, and if you somehow did not do it, ask them in front of the mirror just before you go to sleep. The topic does not matter. Just ask the questions as a way to keep the kid alive. He will take care of the rest.