When do kids start asking "Why?" and then start asking it again 2 minutes later? I didn't think it was at age 2. But Betsy has learned that when she asks "What are you doing?" We will give her interesting answers. And so she asks. And asks. And asks.
This may be good for her cognitive health, but it doesn't bode well for her survival to age three. We first answer seriously, "I'm driving the car." Then punchily "I'm talking to my favorite girl." Then blandly. "Nothing new. How about you?" Then through gritted teeth avoiding profanity "Betsy, what are YOU doing? Are you getting on Mama's last nerve? Whatcha think, sweetie?"
It's fascinating that although my daughter does notice my moods, she clearly doesn't understand them yet. She understands tired. And hungry. And sometimes she just declares for no reason "Happy! Betsy happy!" In a way that makes me melt. The fact that throws her arms around my neck and burrows her face into it is just gravy. (Or maybe what she says is gravy, and the hug is the heart of it. I don't know.)
Anyhow, what I do know is that I have to learn to keep my temper out of my voice - if for no other reason than so that when I *DO* raise my voice it's classed as an important event. For all I'm annoyed, I wish I had a recording of her voice asking "What are you doing?" even on the 10th repetition it's pretty sweet.
Posted by karen at December 21, 2004 04:50 PM