We hit the “Why?” stage
For real, I thought I was going to skip this stage altogether. Once upon a time ago Nora asked “Why?” for the first time and I freaked out. Like ahhh hell nah, I am not playing these games with my 16 month old. But something crazy happened, I answered her question and she walked away. She never said it again…until this weekend. (Cue Law and Order theme song.)
Why…
But seriously, why? Why do children feel the need to ask why for everything and I mean EVERYTHING that I say. Below is my actual conversation with Nora the 2.5 year old going on annoying the crap out of me while she jumps on the bed.
Me: Nora, you cannot jump on the bed!
Nora: Why?
Me: Because like the song says you’ll fall and bump your head.
Nora: Why?
Me: I have no clue thats just what happens.
Nora: But why?
Me: Ugh, because it isn’t safe!
Nora: Why?
And then I did it… the thing I vowed I would never say as a mom. It flew out of my mouth like a swear word when you stub your toe. “Because I said so!” AHHHH I am my mother! I digress, at this point she is jumping and falling repeatedly on pillows on my bed. Oh child you are just pushing it.
So what now
As any good mother does, I remove the distraction which in this case is my bed… so I just grab her and take her to her room. Now the fun begins! I forgot to say that this whole interaction with said jumping toddler is happening while she is fully naked and wet from just getting out of the shower. Lets be thankful she was clean while doing the splits on my pillow in her birthday suit. SMH. Lord knows that toddler isn’t the best at wiping just yet.
Did I mention that we are running a tight schedule to get to church on time? Nope, okay well we are and I have zero time or patience for this “why” game. Now let’s put on undies. Nora is what we like to call independent but what that means is it is her way or she screams, it is truly a beautiful stage, lol.
Me: Nora (throwing undies and pants her direction) put on your undies and pants.
Nora: Why?
Me: Eleanora Mae Lampman we are late for church and you cannot go naked. Put your undies and pants now!
Nora: Why!
Can I rip my hair out?
I think the right answer is no, so I didn’t. The rest of the story isn’t that exciting. I took charge and dressed her while singing to once again distract her. We actually made it church with 5 minutes to spare! Sunday victory!
While this stage is currently very annoying I know that it is so necessary. While in church I was able to decompress for the mornings craziness and be thankful that I have the opportunity to parent such a fun and curious child. She is just exploring the world, soaking in as much as she can in such a short time. She is in no way asking why to annoy me. It is a part of her development and growth from a toddler to a brilliant adult.
As a mom, and as her mom I hope that next time I will enjoy the moment more. Until then I will laugh at this tiny human I have been entrusted. I sure do love her.
