Why do children aged 2 to 6 years old typically set fires?

Why do children aged 2 to 6 years old typically set fires?

• A. Curiosity
• B. Attention Seeking
• C. Boredom
• D. Imitation

Answer: (A)

Young children explore the world to learn how things work, and fire is both new and visually captivating. In this age range, curiosity about flames drives them to touch, watch, and experiment to see what happens when fire is nearby. This urge to discover cause and effect is the strongest motivator for preschoolers, more than wanting attention, feeling bored, or simply imitating others. Imitation can occur if they’ve seen adults use fire, but the persistent drive to explore flames usually explains why they engage in fire-related activities. That’s why safety focus—keeping matches and lighters out of reach and providing supervised, safe ways to learn about heat—addresses the root behavior.