GardenGal:I understand you. There are times when it is clear that a child is asking you stuff not for the sake of having a true conversation or out of curiosity, but because they are looking for your undivided attention. I have a 3 y/o once-in-a-whiler that is this way exactly. I used to answer, over and over again. I have since switched to answering the question once, and then saying "What do you think is the answer to that?" or "You just asked me that question, do you remember my answer?" If it is truly not a good time to chat, I tell him that. "Miss L is busy with this right now, so I am not able to discuss that. Why don't you go...." At that age, he can begin to understand/be taught that sometimes our attention NEEDS to be on something else for a period of time, and that that is okay. So my point is: give attention when it is the appropriate time and place. There is nothing wrong with a little extra praise for a job well done, or a picture that is beautifully colored, lol. But when it's not required, a simple and consistent explanation is in order.