Parents have to field a ton of questions from their offspring on a daily basis. Recently, my husband looked at me with a pained expression on his face, asking, “How long does this last?!” I simply snorted, and informed him I usually remind myself that our son is only asking because he is truly curious – he is learning. What would make two adults in the household cringe when they hear a certain word? Simple –
My word for today:
Why?!
My son has hit “that age” – the age to which every parent knows I am referring. The dreaded “why” age. Typically, it strikes around age four, and our son was not immune.
E.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g is questioned. And, while it is cute, it is also slightly taxing.
Before this stage arrived in our household, I read an article which encouraged parents to, “Tell your child when you don’t know why – it lets them know you don’t know everything, and it’s okay to not know everything.”
I try to live up to that advice, yet I honestly feel that my pedestal upon which my son has me placed crumbles every time I acknowledge I don’t know something. I can read it on his face. When I say I don’t know, it is usually followed with, “Why don’t you know?” “I don’t know – because I don’t know everything?” “Why don’t you know everything?” (<–true conversation)
Then, there are the “why’s” asked about the exact. same. topic on a daily basis! As a person whose blood pressure escalates rather quickly when having to repeat herself, this drives me absolutely bonkers.
I will say, all the innocent questioning has me scurrying to become more educated on matters, and I am so thankful for the internet and the ability to quickly research an answer to the ever-present “why?!”
Perhaps the funniest part to this stage are the little social norms that little kids have to learn. For example, “Why should I?!” when asked by my son, is such an innocent question. When we discussed rephrasing it, all I could do was chuckle when he asked, “Why should I?!” Thankfully, he understands the concept of being sassy, and has worked very hard to reframe the question, so as to not be accused of being sassy to, or by, anyone.
I try very hard to not use the, “Because I said so,” reason, but by the end of the day, I’ll be honest. I am tired.
Why?!
Because I have answered the “w” question all. day. long.
Why?!
Because my son is learning, with every question he poses.
Why?!
Because he is only four years old.
And, life is beautiful.
Why?!
Because I am choosing to maintain perspective of my children’s inquisitive natures!
Love everything about this post. Why? because I’m loving it ×2 currently, and because it’s fun to see the expression on people’s faces when my kids discuss microbiology or thermodynamics. 😂
I am so glad you love this post!! And, most definitely you can appreciate these sentiments behind the post! Sometimes, I think my son’s vocabulary surpasses adults’ expectations – so, they don’t realize they need to listen to him because of the big words he properly uses. I love your two know such complex topics – because you foster that inquisitiveness!
Thank you for your comment!
Haha, I get this. My two boys are definitely about asking Why? to all the things. Lately, though, I’ve been responding with a good ol’ Why do *you* think? 🙂 It is a good age and the conversations are none I ever imagined having prior to having these little guys! Praying He shares His grace with us throughout this whole parenting gig!!
Haha! Yes!
For me, we have gone ’round and ’round at times with, “I don’t know. Why do *you* think?” And, I agree with that prayer intention!
Thank you for your comment!