About a year ago I realized that as adults, we say a lot of things that just don't make sense to children. I had spent at least 6 months telling Bo and Avee to "cut that out" or "knock it off". And being innately obedient, they appeared to listen to that very specific command. So I continued with my adult-greek for children. And then one day someone said to Bo, "mess less" and he was completely bewildered.
I still say things that don't make sense to him, but he has started asking what things mean at a rate of about 27 questions per hour. Often there are things I can't answer. Yesterday J had him ask me what "phony" meant. And this morning first thing in the morning as they were eating their breakfasts of Nilla Wafers, Bo asked me what a mystery was. I told him it was a mystery CPS hadn't been called on me yet...
These are reasonable things a 4 year old might not know yet.
He's also trying to figure out time references. He sees commercials for movies that will be on later in the month and when they say "Monday the 17th" he figures "today's Friday, Monday is in 3 days, the movie is in 3 days". It was at least 27 times of telling him "No, it's not September yet" before I even realized why he was asking. So then I started telling him, "It's next week, not this Monday." Reasonable explanation, dontcha think?
So then he starts saying things like, "Is the day before the day after tomorrow called yesterday?" and other mind twisters that I just can't be expected to figure out at...3 in the afternoon. And then finally yesterday's question, "Is 'next week' a Tuesday or a Sirsday?" I realize he has NO idea what next week means. And that's just really not fair. I wasn't speaking in greek. How was I to know a 4 year old doesn't even know what "next week" means. No wonder he wouldn't STOP TALKING ABOUT THE DUMB SHOW.
After explaining this day had to end, then 6 more days had to end, and then it would be next week, I went about my business. Very important business of finally reading HP 7.
This morning I sat down at the computer and saw he had written on our desk calendar.
In my exasperation (over graffiti-ing a perfectly good $1.98 desk calendar) I called him over to the desk, "What is this Bo?"
"Oh. I was just saying, I want it to be the end of the day."
Indeed, he did say it. Not bad for a 4 year old who doesn't even know what next week means.
14 comments:
What a cutie!
Have you tried that days of the week song (sung to the the tune of Alouette http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/a014.html).
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Now we start again.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Now we're at the end.
That is so adorable and it really makes one pause. I think I probably say things to my nephews and nieces that they have no idea what they mean. I'll have to doublecheck on that. Thanks.
How sweet. It must be t he age cause case asks me CONSTENTLY, IS it tomorrow, the day aftertomorrow,m the day after that, the next day after that?, and you can tell him and tell him until the cows come home (oh do you guys use that down here too?) And it still won't get through that think man skull of his.
I think I was about 7 (8?) when I finally understood how the whole "week" thing worked.
We need to talk about this and more. Call you Sirsday, k?
I haven't even thought about trying to teach my baby about all of these things that are impossible to explain. I think I'm in trouble.
oh. my. gosh. when it finally is the end of the month, you tear that page out and keep it with your grounded note. i mean it.
sketchy's seven days song works for us. only we sing it to oh my darling clementine. it seems to give them at least some reference for the passage/order of days and weeks. months are another story.
we're having trouble round here explaining what it means when movies "come out" - i.e., "if it's out, how can we ever see it?"
I think that might end up on a blog of his later down in life.. what a cute kid.. read my sisters blog.. linked on my page.. (I am not savvy enough to link it here) anyway, she has a just 5 year old with a question no parent wants to answer.. could be worse!!!
Glad you are sore.. way to go on the boot camp.. I am impressed but knew you could do it!! Keep up those planks..
The fact that your figures out you are speaking greek is something I never thought of either. I am sorry to say sista you have two very smart kiddo's on your hand. Tell Ben he didn't write DAY but the rest I can see.....HE IS A GENIUS. I still can't write that good.
So Sam's sweet sixteen is coming up. Do you wanna come see him?
annah sang Sketchy's song only ended it w/ There are Seven, There are Seven, Seven days in a week, Sunday, monday, etc..... It really worked for her.
I can totally read his writing. That's very good for a four year old.
Glad I'm not the only dumb one around that can't answer little kids questions. even if I know the answer how do you explain it? Hurts my brain.
So wait, what color ARE you?
Awwwwwwww. I like Sketchy's song too.
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