For the Uninitiated: Why?
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Is it simple curiosity, or early onset of planned annoyance?
CSM is three. He’s been a quick learner throughout his development according to the Internet parenting sites that I’ve used to measure each of his milestones. He has always been inquisitive, but in the last week there has been a development: the obsession with a single word that can stand alone to form a sentence. The word, the sentence, the simple vehicle for knowledge transfer, the root of causality, is “Why?”
I am adamant about open ended questions to my son. If I predict the answer can be good, great, or fine I reframe the question. I want my little guy to be articulate, after all, and as he will tell you, practice makes perfect.
Upon returning from a quick trip to the store ”Why did you go to the store?” is easily answered with, “To buy milk, son.”
But in CSM’s new phase, he delves deeper into the human psyche to ask, “Why?”
Fair enough question, I guess. ”I bought it so we can have cereal, and drink milk.”
“Why?”
“Because, dry cereal is for communists and the occasional cookie isn’t complete without milk.”
“Why?”
Because I grew up having cereal with milk.
“Why?”
Because that’s what my mom served me.
“Why?”
Because I didn’t like oatmeal.
“Why?”
Because it tastes like mud.
“Oh,” he mutters. ”I gotta poop.”
I’ve found myself wondering if a:) this will be a short phase, and b:) if any other dads have been through this and found themselves thinking that he is actually screwing with you, rather than being inquisitive to the nth degree. I mean, it’s impossible to hide ALL the frustration when he’s unleashed the 5th straight “Why?” in the midst of a conversation. He has to see it. Now I’m beginning to think he knows exactly what he’s doing and as such, has apparently developed a knack for pushing this Dad’s buttons.
He does not throw out the word without thinking as someone mocking you would do. Sadie, our pointerlab of 1 month, scratched at the door. Can you guess what CSM asked? ”Why is she scratching the door?”
“Because she wants to go outside.”
“Why?”
“You’ll have to ask Sadie that question.”
“Daddy, dogs can’t talk.”
Let me know your take on this phase, its longevity, and if I’m a “Bad Dad” for telling my son that dry cereal is for communists.
Search hashtag #spenceisms or follow gmeyer999 on Twitter for a daily digest of this amazing kid’s development.
About Gene Meyer
I'm a slightly overweight, balding, 38 year old Democrat WASP with 6 years of college and no degree to show for it. I work as the property manager of a shopping center and general manager of three businesses including a children's play place/fantasy world, Kangaroo Jake's. I did this for many years as an entrepreneur. Now I do it as a dad.
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