It seems that Caleb, who is now 3 1/2, has learned the oh-so-dreaded question- why? For the past two weeks he has relentlessly asked Jeff and I, “Why, mommy?” “Why, daddy?” and I have to say, it’s been pretty challenging keeping up with him. Just today he asked, “Mommy, why do those rocks on the side of the road have nets on them?” “Because they don’t want the rocks to fall on the cars.” “Why do some rocks not have nets on them?” Because they haven’t blasted them so they are still solid.” “Why do the rocks fall down?” “Because when they blast the rock, all of the little pieces become loose.” “Why?” “Because it shakes them up.” “Why?” “The blasting compromises the integrity of the rock so they need to put a net on so the rocks don’t smash the cars, OK??” “Why?” Arrrggggg…..
I have to say, unless I am entrenched in something or have something pressing on my mind, it doesn’t bother me to answer his questions and, frankly, it makes me think in a way I normally wouldn’t. Why DO we have to be nice to strangers? Why DO we have to be good boys and girls? Why DO we have to get gas in our car? The chatter goes beyond the practical and into the philosophical. I start to talk about harmony and love and peace and karma and the environment and technology and nature. Since this “why-fest” began, I have been asking myself “why?” in my friendships, relationships, work, and every day dealings with people and it has really made me think about life a little differently.
Jeff and I have decided to have a contest to see how many times we can answer his questions before we tell him “that’s why” or “I don’t know” without making up something outlandish. We’ll see how it goes. Next time a child asks you “why,” see how far you can go before saying “that’s why” and let me know about it!!!
Ahhh. Good times. At least you’re getting questions that can be answered. Joseph used to use why a little differently: “Mommy, is that a trck?” “Yes.” “Why?”
When I get tired of answering “Why?” I default to “I don’t know, what do you think?”
Give it a try. Sometimes the answer is VERY interesting.