Mom-And-Dad-A-Pedia

When I grew up there was a lot (or at least as a child I perceived there to be) a lot of "because I said so" and "go look it up" in my house. I know they seem completely unrelated and probably insignificant, but they steam from wanting to know "why". I always wanted to know "why". It was not something most adults understood or had patience for.

I wasn't sassy or rude, most of the time, I just wanted to know "why". My kids suffer the same relentless desire to know "why". They are curious little monkeys. Only, in our house there is no "because I said so". We explain things as thoroughly and honestly as possible at all times. Barring of course, when Isaac is stalling going to bed by asking for a complete history of communism or the meaning of life. It's a constant challenge to find ways that are accessible to an eight year old or a 20mo old to explain complicated issues, but I enjoy the challenge. I want them to be armed with as much accurate information as possible.

This is why when we "go look it up" we look it up together. I am still recovering from all the ridiculous nonsense my friends told me growing up that I accepted as fact. These days false information spreads like wildfire on the web. Just like kids on the playground explaining how you can die from farting and burping at the same time there are hundreds of emails circulating at any given time proclaiming "facts" just as laughable. Also, just like the playground most people seem to just accept these "facts" and worse continue to circulate them.

I am always honest with Isaac when I just don't know the answer to his question. Usually, I'll tell him what I do know and we'll look up the rest. For example, I explained that muscle fatigue has to do with the buildup of lactic acid (thanks AP Bio). However, when Isaac asked where the lactic acid came from I couldn't remember. So, we looked it up. It's produced when we exert ourselves as a way to convert glucose (energy) without oxygen. That way we can conserve oxygen and make energy.

I love that from the time Riley was born if she showed interest in something Daddy explained it to her. "Yes, Riley that's a flower. It makes food from sunlight." etc Intellectual conversations abound here from science, philosophy, engine repair, cooking to common courtesy on a daily basis. I remember that Isaac came home very excited one day because a classmate had told him about reincarnation. We explained what we knew about it and which religions believed in it, to his absolute wonderment. I don't think the adults in my life would have been as forth coming with such information when I was seven. Another time Isaac visited my dad after his heart surgery. My dad never had boys so he's always happy to get gross with the grandkids and thinking Isaac would be amazed he showed him the line of staples holding his chest together (with my blessing). Isaac was not amazed, he was horrified. We had a long talk about medical staples vs. office supply staples, what bypass surgery is and how grandpa's heart got sick. After that the staples were cool.

The world is a big place and I want the kids to be armed with as much solid information as possible. I want them to make choices based on facts not just because their parents tell them to. I try never to state my opinion as fact or to be judgmental when discussing other world views. I want them to always be able to come to me for answers without being afraid or embarrassed. When I was in Middle School I asked my mom, who was a nurse, about periods. Her response was to bring me home pamphlets. I read them, but I wish she had felt she could openly discuss those things with me. I think especially for girls, knowing how your body works is essential. Knowledge is power.

I want my curious little monkeys to stay curious. I want them to never fear judgment for seeking information. I want them to be the kids on the playground debunking myths. I want them to know there's always more to learn. I want them to always read, observe and ask questions freely at home. I always said we'd have a house of fairies and scholars.