How to encourage critical thinking in a child?

Ask “why” a lot! For example, “Why do you think the sun shines?” or “Why do we have to share toys?” You’ll have them pondering the universe—just don’t be surprised if they try to negotiate their bedtime based on “philosophical reasoning.” And throw in some “What if?” scenarios to make their brains do gymnastics. “What if we lived on Mars? How would we get ice cream?”