Why?

I really don’t know when it started. I think it was before he turned three.

Suddenly my grandson, Liam, is constantly asking “Why?”

I had forgotten all about this phase. I even had to ask my wife, Priscilla, “Did all of our kids do this?” To which she replied, “Oh yeah!”

For those of you who might not remember, a typical conversation can go something like this:

Liam: “Where did Grammy go?”
Me: “She went to the store.”
L: “Why?”
M: “Because we need milk.”
L: “Why?”
M: “Because we drank it all.”
L: “Why?”
M: “Because we like milk.”
L: “Why?”
M: “Because it’s yummy and it’s good for us.”
L: “Why?”
M: “Because milk has a lot of vitamins in it.”
L: “Why?”
M: “I don’t know, that’s just the way it’s made.”
L:”Why?”
M: “I’m not sure. Hey! Wanna go outside?”

We try to be honest and answer his questions but sometimes you just run out of answers. And yes, I’ll be honest, I sometimes run out of patience. At least once I’ve used the old, “Because I said so” answer.

I suppose they’re just trying to learn.

According to a web search at riseandshine.childrensnational.org:

Asking “why” is a sign of curiosity and wanting to understand the world around them, which can seem big and daunting for a toddler. Understanding can help increase security and confidence, so the “why” questions are important.

Usually the questions are something we can handle but every now and then he hits you with a tough one. The toughest one I’ve had to deal with is about his dad who is on deployment halfway around the world.

Liam: “I miss my dad.”
Me: “I know buddy. He’s busy on the big boat “
L: “Why?”
M: “Because that’s his job.”
L: “Why?”
M: “He works for the Navy.
L: “Why?”
M: “Because they need him. His job is very important.”
L: “Why?”
M: “He helps keep people safe.”

The questions about why we can’t have ice cream before supper are much easier to answer. AND… I have to say that parents today have it so much easier. If you’re hit with one you don’t know, you can …

Priscilla told me she was asked, “What makes the wind blow?” Back in MY day I’d have to go to the encyclopedia!

By the way, according to the web:

Gases move from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. And the bigger the difference between the pressures, the faster the air will move from the high to the low pressure. That rush of air is the wind we experience.

Now you’re all set if that comes up in your house this week.

It is amazing to watch him learn and grow. Either I’ve forgotten what it was like with my crew or I was too busy with work and life at the time that I didn’t take the time to notice. I’m glad I have this second chance.

At least this time I do have the knowledge that it doesn’t last long. Again I think I was so busy raising four of them that I never appreciated every new phase.

It only took me 60-plus years to learn what truly matters.

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