It’s not a bad thing. It’s actually something good. And it’s another you-had-to-be-there moment…
We are on the road home. Caitlin is strapped in her seat at the back, watching the world go by. Okay, just watching the traffic go by…
Caitlin: Daddee, what is “bus” in Mandarin?
Daddee: ba si (don’t know your pinyin?). And “car” is called che
Caitlin: NOOoo! Che is “eating”!
She is not entirely wrong. “Car” is pronounced ch-err, “eat” is ch-irr, almost through clenched teeth. Since she has never heard “car” before, it is understandable she is disputing this against what she knows.
Daddee: IT IS!
Caitlin: NOoo! Che is “eat”!
Daddee: Listen listen- “Car” is che, “eat” is chi! Che and chi, che and chi; they are different!
Caitlin: NOoo! Che is “eating”! Like chi fan (literally “eat rice”, as manners we taught her to address everyone individually at the dinner table, when we are about to start eating. It’s a Confucian teaching)
It wasn’t as frustrating as it sounds, rather, quite fun. Told you you had to be there!
Looking forward to the days when we argue over calculus, the Renaissance, quantum mechanics, endocrinology, how you can never achieve absolute zero (zero Kelvin), and how you can never lick your own elbow.
What kinds of arguments do you welcome and enjoy with your kids?
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4 responses so far ↓
1 Ann // Mar 7, 2008 at 7:00 AM
I guess she hasn’t mastered the /-\ (tick) yet!
But yeah…can imagine the fun you will have telling her tales and truths…
My dad used to invent the story of aliens landing on the water towers everytime we made the trip outstation. I guess it was to keep us amused throughout the long journey!
Ann’s last blog post..Bringing up kids in a Community
2 Derek // Mar 7, 2008 at 7:26 AM
That is great and a very fun experience as a parent to watch your child challenge things based on their understanding and knowledge.
I’ve had my fair share of discussions helping my kids with their homework as dad doesn’t explain it the same way as school and that means that I am wrong.
And I wouldn’t say that you can never lick your own elbow, although the circumstances of being able to do so would likely not be very pleasant.
Derek’s last blog post..When Jack Is Gone, Say Hello To The Captain
3 Moomykin // Mar 7, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Travelling times are the best times for bonding conversationally. Sure keeps you awake with all the work your brain has to do.
The last thing I had to explain to Micah was what an hour glass is.
Moomykin’s last blog post..More Simple Fun
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