How many times today did you tell your child to do something, giving the often-repeated reason of ‘because I said so’?
Think about it – with or without realising it, a lot of us, me included of course, do it a lot of the time. Telling our kids to do a certain thing they may not want to do, or may not really understand why they are supposed to do and asking us ‘why’, the best we offer them is – ‘Because I said so.’
Because I said so
For me, this was clearly the easiest way to get out of a tricky situation and stop the discussions right there. But think about it – it is we, the parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, friends, peers and family who will provide our babies from the first to the tiniest bit of knowledge and understanding, logic and reasoning that will help them grow into intelligent and better human beings over the years.
It can sometimes be exhausting to answer each and every question our kids have, and there are really no answers to what their young minds come up with. It is at times like these that we end up giving them the universally used ‘escape route’ answer of ‘because I said so.’
Continue reading on the next page to know more about the kind of whacky questions my kids keep coming up with and how I answer them!
My 9-year-old has never stopped asking, and my 3-year-old is a pro at asking questions as well. Their curiosity started even as they were crossing those first months, and the trend continues. And of course, the day they started to talk, there was no stopping the flow of questions that had piled up.
A few examples of these questions over the years:
“Why are you big?” “Why am I small?” “Why is the moon white?” “Why is the moon in the sky? When will it come down to me?” “Look mamma, the moon is torn (partially covered in clouds)” “Who put the water inside the tap?” “Can Minnie Mouse jump out of the TV if I hold her hand?” “Why is papa inside the phone? Why is he not coming home to me? (talking to her papa and missing him)” “Can I fly? Why? Plane can fly. I want to fly.” And there are many many more!
Most of these questions, when asked when I’m busy, have seemed rather absurd. But when I thought back later with a clear head, all these questions had a deep sense of curiosity and an urge to know. And I realised the classic mistake I was making as a parent.
It’s much easier now and better too. I’ve made it a practice to try and answer as many of their questions as I can. It gives them the information they need, and the seemingly innocent yet practical questions give my thoughts a fresh perspective, a new way to look at things.
I cannot help but admire my ma at moments like these, who used to answer all the questions I came up with. She never shrugged off my questions, and till date, she answers all the questions my kids have, and it is to her that I owe the sense of giving up on the ‘because I said so.’
Also Read: Say No To Timetables: Why I Let My Daughters Choose What THEY Want To Do
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[All images courtesy: Pixabay]
