Comments on: Impromptu Science Experiment

By: Kevin McAllister

Kevin McAllister — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:39:10 +0000

Another tool for ending an endless chain of why’s or one that is something they certainly know is to give a silly answer, which is obviously wrong and have them correct you, I think I read that on Rachel’s blog yesterday.

And another which I use all the time is to ask them what they think. Basically both techniques for them to try and answer their own question.

My girls will also learn that if they are reading they can extend bedtime “indefinitely” too.

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:22:46 +0000

I have not been bothered with endless WHYs yet. I’m sure I will. And I don’t think I’ll answer them endlessly, but I also intend never to say, “Because I said so.” I already have answered, “There is an answer to that, but you don’t know enough yet to understand it,” (when she asked why it rains some days and not others, and other such questions) and “I can’t answer you right now because I’m busy doing something else,” (many times) and “I don’t know–we’ll look it up” (and I don’t always remember to do so, but sometimes I do.)

By: Kevin McAllister

Kevin McAllister — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:24:47 +0000

I still remember the day Ashley first asked “Why?” I was so excited!

And Allison’s has already learned (at 5) that she can almost infinitely extend bedtime by asking “why?” about something, or by telling me the “why” about something and asking a follow on question.

By: JackDoitCrawford

JackDoitCrawford — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:38:55 +0000

That is so much fun when you can teach them and know they are learning what you want them to learn. I don’t know how many times Susan answered “Why?” questions strung out interminably, but she never gave up. She always had a reason, and never said, “Because I’m the Mommy. “

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:35:48 +0000

Thanks, Joan. I hope to make this another continuing thread on my blog, so stay tuned!