Dear Esther,

My 4-year-old daughter is bright, inquisitive, and is forever asking the question “why” lately. While most days this is not a problem, recently she noticed a stranger in a wheelchair at a restaurant. She walked up to the person and asked why they cannot walk. I felt embarrassed and protective of the person sitting in a wheelchair, so I hurried my child along to avoid a confrontation. While I might have avoided an uncomfortable conversation, I wish I had handled it differently. Can you help me prepare my response for the next time?

-Linda