Showing posts with label Nerd Thoughts on Parenting. Show all posts

How to answer 'Why' questions


Before I had kids, I planned on being the perfect parent. I was going to read to my kids every night, make them home cooked meals, and I would answer all their questions honestly, and scientifically.

Yeah, none of that has happened.








Observe the following discussion I had with my 5 yr old:

Wes: Mom, what's that?
Me: A grasshopper?
Wes:  Why?
Me: .... Um, why is it a grasshopper?
Wes:  Yeah
Me: Well,  because somebody named that species of insect a grasshopper.
Wes: Why?
Me:.... Um,  because someone saw it hopping in the grass, so they decided to call it a grasshopper.
Wes: Oh ... [pause]...  if it's hopping on the sidewalk, is it still a grasshopper?
Me: ...Yes...
Wes: Why?
Me:  I don't know, go ask your father!

I did what I swore I would never do, I punted on a question.

*Sigh*  It's not the only time this has happened. 
I was prepared for scientific questions like, "Why is the sky blue?" or, "Why is the grass green?" I wasn't prepared for the philosophical questions like, "Why is it called blue? or "Why are there 24 hours in a day?" After discussions with some older, and wiser moms, I came up with a plan.

I built a repertoire of response strategies: 
[The scholarly approach]                     "Hmmm,  Good question. Google it and see what comes up"
[Distract with a new topic]                   "Look! a blue car" 
[The silly approach]                              "Because calling it a red dancer would be silly" 
[Creative and critical thinking]              "I don't know, why do you think it's called..."

Wish me luck for next time!
If you've got another strategy that you'd like to share, or a funny example of the questions your kids ask.  Please share in the comments so that we can all learn and laugh.

-Heather Douglas
NerdMom

Giving Credit where Credit is due:
Photo of Grasshopper by Tudsaput Eusawas from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/insect-grasshopper-42367/

The difference between a tutor and a homework helper

In short, a homework helper will help your child with their homework.  A tutor will focus on  teaching your child specific skills that may or may not be represented in their homework.

 For example, let's say your child is reading at a lower grade level than you'd like.   A homework helper might sit and read with your child, helping her sound out words she doesn't recognize or simply listening to her read.   You can hire a high school student or college student to do this.

 A tutor, on the other hand,  might bring specific materials to work on sight words or blending consonants, or have activities that improve reading comprehension.  In these instances, you want someone with a teaching background, or is at least experienced in teaching strategies.

 If you've decided that a tutor is the way to go, talk to your child's teacher about what skills your child is specifically struggling with.  Relay that information to your child's tutor so the they know exactly what needs to be worked on --- you'll get a better bang for your buck this way.  

 Good luck,

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)