What’s That?
Friday, February 26th, 2010I’ve heard about little kids hitting the stage where they ask “why” about everything. They make it look so annoying on TV, depicting children endlessly asking “why” and parents rapidly losing their cool as they struggle to figure out explanations for everything from “why is the sky blue” to “but WHY do you say so.”
If I’m being honest, I live in fear of that stage and my own ability to keep my cool as I’m repeatedly peppered with the same question over and over again. Repetition is a great tactic for trying to aggravate a witness. I’m just not looking forward to being the witness on the receiving end of that line of questioning.
But maybe it won’t be that bad. Andrew has always been a curious little boy. He loves to read about Curious George and all the adventures the curious little monkey gets into.
We’ve hit a stage where Andrew asks “What’s that?” about everything in sight. We’ve gone on tours of the house (ours, my parent’s, or anyone else’s that we happen to be inside) answering questions about virtually every item inside. On the way to day care in the morning, he excitedly asks, “WHAT’S THAT MOMMY?” about whatever he sees outside the window. Going through the mall has become an extended adventure, with our curious little guy stopping to ask “what’s that?” about stores, shoes, clothes and especially mannequins. He’s still not sure what to make of those.
Last night on the way home from school, he points out the window and starts playing the “What’s That?” game. After questioning mounds of snow, billboards and the grocery store, Andrew turned his attention to the local bank branch. “That’s a bank, sweetheart.” I told him. “That’s where people put their money.”
Andrew cocked his head thoughtfully before responding, “I want money too.” I couldn’t help but laugh…and share this story with everyone. Maybe the “whys” won’t be that bad. The “what’s thats” have been pretty entertaining.