By Susan M. Keenan
Children have a wonderful tendency to learn what
it is that we attempt to teach them. In fact, they have an innate
need to learn, evidenced by the “why” stage of their
life. In their toddler years, the curiosity of children influences
them to ask the question “why” in as many ways as they
can think up in the course of a day.
“Why
is the sky blue?” the inquisitive child wants to know. Patiently,
you answer, not even sure if your answer is totally accurate, but
understanding that an answer must be given.
“But why?” are the next words out of
the young child’s mouth. A little less patiently now, you
give the same answer but word it differently in the vain hope that
the child won’t realize that it is indeed the same answer.
“But why?” are again the next words
that issue forth from that sweet little face that is causing your
blood pressure to rise and your thoughts to swirl tumultuously towards
unsafe territory.
For the third time, you answer the question, flailing
around in your mind for a failsafe answer that is sure to end this
stream of seemingly endless whys. No luck occurs and the question
is again asked.
“Why, mommy, why?” For what seems like
the tenth time, you answer the question. This time you are wishing
that you had paid more attention in school during science class
instead of looking out the window and daydreaming about the idyllic
life you were going to lead.
 You
wonder why you didn’t pay attention instead of thinking about
graduating, meeting Prince Charming, getting married, and having
a little darling baby to love and cherish. “So much, for the
love and cherish part,” you think. Why didn’t anybody
tell you about this part of it? “Oh, no. There’s that
awful word, “why” again!” Finally, you concede
that you aren’t really sure and the two of you will have to
ask dad.
Children in their infinite wisdom are enamored by
their parents. They are awed by their amazing presence that seems
to overshadow everything and everyone else around them. Children
are sure that mom and dad know everything about anything.
In fact, children ask each question in total innocence
with the simple need for the truth. Parents become frustrated by
their own sense of inadequacy and the knowledge that the “why”
is going to be repeated again and again, not just today, but every
day for a long time.
Would it be better to admit, hey I don’t know?
Certainly not, if you do, then the question simple changes to “why
don’t you know?” Surely, that will be a bit more frustrating
than to have to answer an innocuous question for what seems like
a gazillion times.
Article written by Susan M. Keenan.
All opinions expressed are that of the writer.
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