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keepthetips t1_j1rcxcl wrote

Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!

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Minothor t1_j1rfk0r wrote

I have to disagree with this, I like to see it as an opportunity for learning.

I ended up taking my little brother through the water cycle as a toddler using analogues he could relate to - such as steam from a kettle or pot as well as condensation on a cold window.

We got through it by the time we arrived at his preschool and he never asked why it rained again and all through his childhood, he knew that I'd talk to him seriously and answer his questions.

He's now a fan of theoretical physics, and studying towards that end at uni.

Nurture their curiosity, no matter how weird or trollish it may seem.

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Too_Old75 t1_j1svk54 wrote

Except when they're asking why to be a PITA. (Usually when I am telling them the need to do a chore or something similar).

But my go-to, when their "why's" are insincere, is to respond with, "Because, that's why."

That usually kills it.

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sortaangrypeanut t1_j1tijja wrote

Is it possible to set a time to push these questions back? Like, answer the questions when you can, but if it gets too tiring is it possible to go "okay, write down your questions, and at dinner we can go through 3 of them?"

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Comfort_Lettuce t1_j1tle87 wrote

I do my best to explain to my kid all day long. They love the conversation. But you have to mix it up by asking them “Why do you think?” Sometimes they already have the answer and sometimes they come up with crazy ideas.

I have no idea why you’re saying “Friction.” Doesn’t seem very helpful.

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Minothor t1_j1tv37k wrote

Fair enough, I always answered until it reached a loop and then I'd point out that I'd answered that already. Then start ignoring any repeats or suggest that if their memory was that bad, they clearly needed longer naps or less sugar. That usually worked without appearing to give them the win of me losing my temper or speaking down to them.

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Minothor t1_j1tvfwg wrote

Been there and I know. I'd usually aim to steer it towards becoming a loop and then point out that I'd answered that question and start getting mock worried that if his memory was that poor, he clearly wasn't getting enough sleep!

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Minothor t1_j1twrxd wrote

No, I could be an asshole too...

When he was complaining about all of us working in the garden, saying "I'm Booooored!", I handed him a pile of vines and asked him put them in the compost.

A few minutes later, a cry of "aargh!" as he lifted the lid and fled with the fruit-flies formed a micro locust swarm around him.

My excessively chipper "Well, at least you're no longer bored!" was met with a shivver and "Byeurk!" of disgust.

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clawcodes t1_j1v0g7k wrote

Doesn’t sound helpful for a curious child, there’s much much better ways to handle that.

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Adrywellofknowledge t1_j1x5c6k wrote

What you have just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

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