Fatherhood

Every once in a while my daughter will go through what I call a cycle. It is a stage of development previously undetected.
One such incident occurred the other night. My three and a half year old daughter claimed to know something and refused to budge in her answer. I asked her, rhetorically, if she knew everything, briefly forgetting that children take everything you say literally and not figuratively.
She told me that sometimes she knows things and sometimes she does not. Forget the simplistic answer and delve into what she meant.
First off, realize that she took the time to think about what I asked her. She could of responded with a yes or a no.
Then she realized she did not know everything and articulated it whereas my wife and I realized what an excellent answer, albeit diplomatic, it was. I praised her for her understanding and answer.
Children need to be praised for simple and complex things they do. Her confidence level soared after we praised her. It will probably help her in future discussions with me and ultimately with her friends.
When it comes to children taking things literal instead of figurative… She always wants to sit next to me when my wife, Caris and myself want to go out and eat.
But she sits so close to me sometimes it makes it difficult to eat and enjoy myself. Again forgetting the literal aspect to children, I asked her nonchalantly if she could sit any closer to me. She looked over at me and then moved next to me even closer.
The cycles children go through are entertaining and exciting. I thoroughly enjoy my daughter’s company because I never know what will come out of her mouth and through that process I get to know my daughter.
The Literal and figurative aspects to her challenges me to think the best way to ask questions. However, giving her blanket questions whereas I am talking about general topics, it proves interesting how her thought process works and grows as she gets older.
I wonder what she will be like when I am older. Will we get along? Will her views coincide with mine? Will our diversity help our father and daughter relationship? Time will only tell.

Capturing the thoughtful gaze.