And so it begins

No, not potty training. What has begun is the dearth of answers.....prompted by the little three-letter word dreaded by all parents - that's right, "why." (four letter words? hell, no problem...)

You know....

Why is the sky blue?
Why did Mike Mulligan and MaryAnn dig the canals?
Why is there a bus on the street?
Why is there a plane in the sky?
Why did the people get off the bus?
Why
Why Why WHY WHY WHY

First, you give the scientific answers. The sky is blue because that is the wavelength of light reflected.

Then, you make answers up. Mike Mulligan and MaryAnn dug the canals because that is their job. Or the bus is on the street so people can get places and that lady is hungry for her supper.

But then your answers beget more questions. Why does that lady want her supper? She's hungry. Why?

And, folks, eventually you are left with the exasperated "dunno" answer. Eventually, all the "whys" wear you down to a wordless nub of a human being.

And that's when it gets interesting. You know, in your heart of heart, that what ever you say will prompt another question. And, you know, that she'll remember and possibly even repeat the things you've said outloud.

So, how do you make up creative answers that satiate her curiosity, entertain yourself (and anyone eavesdropping next to you on the bus), and maybe JUST MAYBE let you move the conversation forward?

Inquiring minds want to know.