A Bad Case of the Whys

The "why" phase is always fun.  It's the first question young children learn to ask.  It isn't who, what, when, where, or how, but why.  It starts around age two.  And everything is "why?"

Most children ask why over and over until they get told, "I don't know", "you're done", or "because I said so", or some other exasperated answer.  I used to tell my son that I have already answered his question, so he doesn't need to ask the same question again.  This kept the questions to a minimum, if that is possible.

I watch another little boy in my house, who is two.  He started asking why a couple of weeks ago.  It's innocent enough.  Pretty standard.  Then, overnight it seemed, his why asking got out of control.  It was a like a virus invaded and took over his speech.  Everything out of his mouth is "Why?"  Here are some examples:

Me: Time to eat.
Him: Why?

Me:  Let's read a story.
Him: Why?

Me: Let's put on your shoes, your mom will be here soon.
Him: Why?
(Seriously?  Didn't I already answer that?)

I know it's a phase, but he's got it bad.  But, as childhood goes, when the why phase is over, another will replace it. And, when his why phase is over, my own daughter's won't be too far behind.

If Toddlers Ruled the World...

Toddlers are fickle, demanding little people that go from crying to laughing at the drop of a hat.  They are just beginning to understand and use language and explore their world.  They also want things to go their way, and don't want to be told "no".  If toddlers ruled the world (let's be honest, most of them do, or think they do) things would be a little different.

If toddlers ran the world:

• everyone would survive on bananas, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter sandwiches, Cheerios, and chicken nuggets.
• there would never be a clean-up time.
• naps would be optional.
• so would baths.
• sippy cups would never be empty (and juice would never be cut with water).
• there would be no bedtime.
• TVs would have 3 channels: Disney Jr., Disney Movies, and PBS Kids (go ahead and buy your stock now).
• everyone would have mandatory dress up time every day.
• phones would only have the necessary numbers programmed in: Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa.
• all disagreements would be solved by hitting, pushing, and biting, followed by a hug and shared snack time.
• alarm clocks would be banned.  They wake up before dawn anyway.
• shots would be outlawed.  All vaccines and medications would be dispensed orally and be cherry or grape flavored.
• no child, or adult, would have any allergies.
• sandboxes and playgrounds would be everywhere.
• all houses would be outfitted with indoor bounce castles.
• no decisions are permanent.  Toddlers could change their minds as much as they want with no repercussions (most do anyway).
• tantrums are acceptable, and encouraged and allowed to last as long as they want.
• same with public tantrums.  There would be no need for parents to be embarrassed, since this would now be an acceptable practice.
• hugs would solve everything.
• no adult would be able to say "no" to them.
• finger painting would happen every day.
• nothing would be breakable.
• Power Wheels and tricycles would be the accepted means of transportation.

If you feel any important items need to be added to the list, please place them in the comments.

Family Story Time

Both my husband and I grew up with family dinners every night.  We love family dinners with our little family, but that isn't always possible due to my husband's work schedule.  There are many nights that my husband doesn't even make it home by bedtime.  However, there are several nights a week that my husband makes it home after dinner, but before bed.  On these nights we have family story time.

We have moved our guest bed into my daughter's room.  When she is teething or has colds, I sleep in that bed with my daughter for a few hours.

During story time, this double bed is perfect for the whole family.  We all climb into that bed and read a couple of stories.  Usually, my son picks out the story, a boy-type story, involving cars and trucks.  We pick another story for my daughter, usually a board book of some type.  Good Night Moon and The Very Hungry Caterpillar are favorites in our house.  My son prefers that my husband reads the books since my husband does voices that never fail to make my son break into hysterical laughter.  Both kids eat a granola bar (mostly because they are picky eaters and don't eat much dinner).  They get sticky crumbs all over the bed, and love it.

I cherish these nights.  I know soon they will grow past simple books, and read chapter books.  My kids will one day my kids will be "too cool" to snuggle up with us.  Before we know it, they will have their own cars, and we will wait for them to come home by curfew.  Then, they will move out, and we won't even see our children for weeks, or months, at a time.  They will have grown up, and have families of their own.  So, on nights that we have family story time, I try to set aside my frustrations from the day and the bone-numbing tiredness I feel.  I snuggle with my kids, kiss them good night, and hold their little hands during our good night prayers.

I love family story time, and our little family.