The flipside, however, is that it validates them asking even more questions, which is good for their development but incredibly annoying for the parent. That said, I could name a bunch of useless facts now because I’ve looked up way more than I should have. Dinner time is frequently like this (I have three kids, will just give them numbers):
Kid 1 - How far away is Paris?
Me - About…
Kid 2 - What happens if you microwave a fork?
Me - Hold on, let me…
Kid 3 - How do you say “ounce” in Spanish?
Me: Why would you even…
Kid 2 - I’ll go try
Me - No!! That could destroy the microwave! Sit down, let me answer Kid 1 first. About 5000 miles (made up number, but surprisingly close)
Kid 1 - How much is that in inches?
Me - Hold on, it’s Kid 2s turn. If you microwave a fork, you’ll get sparks and maybe break the microwave. We’re not going to try it, but maybe I can find a video for you.
Kid 3 - You didn’t answer my question!
Me - Sorry, I don’t know since I don’t speak Spanish, but I’ll look it up for you. (10 seconds later) Apparently “la onza,” though I don’t think anyone that speaks Spanish uses ounces.
Kid 2 - What if I microwave my dolly?
Kid 3 - Why?
Me - <to Kid 3> They usually use metric, so either grams (gramo) or milliliters (mililitro). <to Kid 2> I don’t know, but it might ruin your dolly.
And so on. I have to juggle three conversations at the same time, and sometime a fourth if my SO wants to discuss something. It’s absolute madness, but I do what I can to encourage curiousity, but I don’t fault anyone for giving lame answers.
Exactly.
The flipside, however, is that it validates them asking even more questions, which is good for their development but incredibly annoying for the parent. That said, I could name a bunch of useless facts now because I’ve looked up way more than I should have. Dinner time is frequently like this (I have three kids, will just give them numbers):
And so on. I have to juggle three conversations at the same time, and sometime a fourth if my SO wants to discuss something. It’s absolute madness, but I do what I can to encourage curiousity, but I don’t fault anyone for giving lame answers.