Yours Is Not To Reason Why.... Unless You're a Child
One of my favorite quotes is 'Yours is not to reason why, yours is but to do or die.'
I frequently repeat this to my children because their favorite word seems to be 'Why!?'
So I say it. "Yours is not to reason why yours is but to do or DIE! Now get in the car."
Obviously my kids aren't to worried about my death threats. They know I'm just being dramatic (where did you think they got it from?)
Sometimes their questions lead to extradordinary discussions about politics, medicine, economics, or philosophy.
-Why do we have to follow the speed limit? Why do we have to wear our seat belts?
-Why do banks care about your money? (they don't my dear)
Other times the why's lead to blunt and frustrated honesty on my part.
Then I spare them the flowing words of Tennyson and just shout- "Because you'd die! Now go in the house."
Is it humanly possible for children to just do?
My sister once said to me that her husband and her tried to teach their children to listen immediately, because their girls very lives might depend on obedience. If, say, there was a mad gunman and my sister shouted "Get down!" My nieces lives could be spared because of their instantaneous reactions. It's great logic. I wonder if it works for her. If I tried that on my kids, however, do you think they'd listen?
Not my kids. NOPE.
It happens all the time. On bike rides:
At soft-ball games:
"Aaaargh!"
The Mischievite is the worst about this:
-"Don't run out of the store and into the parking lot like that please!?"
-"Stop running into the street!"
-"That doesn't belong in your mouth."
-"Stop pestering your brother."
"Why?"
It's enough to make a mom want to rip her hair out. I'm surprised there aren't more of us wrapped in little white jackets in nicely padded rooms.
Oh, wait... do your kids actually listen to you?
I knew it!
I frequently repeat this to my children because their favorite word seems to be 'Why!?'
-Why do I have to clean my room?
-Why do I have to get dressed?
-Why do I have to bathe?
-Why do I have to put my shoes on?
-Why do we have to go to the grocery store?
-Why? Why? Why?!
So I say it. "Yours is not to reason why yours is but to do or DIE! Now get in the car."
Obviously my kids aren't to worried about my death threats. They know I'm just being dramatic (where did you think they got it from?)
Sometimes their questions lead to extradordinary discussions about politics, medicine, economics, or philosophy.
-Why do we have to follow the speed limit? Why do we have to wear our seat belts?
-Why can't we just not go to church today?
-Why do mosquito's have to suck my blood?
Other times the why's lead to blunt and frustrated honesty on my part.
-Why can't I run in the street?
-Why can't I go to the park by myself?
-Why do you always tell me to not talk to adults I don't know?
Then I spare them the flowing words of Tennyson and just shout- "Because you'd die! Now go in the house."
Is it humanly possible for children to just do?
My sister once said to me that her husband and her tried to teach their children to listen immediately, because their girls very lives might depend on obedience. If, say, there was a mad gunman and my sister shouted "Get down!" My nieces lives could be spared because of their instantaneous reactions. It's great logic. I wonder if it works for her. If I tried that on my kids, however, do you think they'd listen?
Not my kids. NOPE.
It happens all the time. On bike rides:
"You need to look before you cross the street okay."
::screeching tires::
"For the love! Can you listen to me? Just once!!!"
At soft-ball games:
"You need to not climb the fence right behind the catcher, Albowin."
"Why?"
The Mischievite is the worst about this:
-"Don't run out of the store and into the parking lot like that please!?"
"Why?"
-"Stop running into the street!"
"Why?"
-"That doesn't belong in your mouth."
"Why?"
-"Stop pestering your brother."
It's enough to make a mom want to rip her hair out. I'm surprised there aren't more of us wrapped in little white jackets in nicely padded rooms.
Oh, wait... do your kids actually listen to you?
I knew it!
Comments
I think it was just brought on by the fact I just commented on LS.
You did say that to me. It's been the goal I'll never achieve ever since. :P
Lately I don't think my girls have heard one thing I have said to them. Especially at church.
Jessica I was just thinking the same thing. Sounds like a very nice vacation. Just me, my straight jacket, tranquilizer, and padded walls, sitting in peace and quiet.
Someday, I hope my kids realize there is something called faith, and then they won't have to ask why all the time....they will just have faith.
-Liz, I completely know what you mean. It feels like maybe if you shake them whatever is loose will go back into place and then they'll magically hear you again. That's when I take a deep breath and walk into the other room :)
I'll let you know if it improves the obedience. You can check on my blog, http://www.cluttermom.blogspot.com.
But I agree, they do need to learn immediate obedience for situations of danger. I just don't know how to teach it.
And then I go nutty some days and shout ''Because I said so!'', words of my mum's I swore I'd never use on my kids. I'll take a straight jacket now please...
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