But why?

Mihiretu has officially entered his "why" phase. Suddenly, yesterday, everything was why.

"Time to go to school, Mihiretu."

"Why?"

Put your shoes on, please, Mihiretu."

"Why?"

And I find, as I did with Mae and Lana in their why days, that these whys lead to bigger questions, with answers that the child is just not going to understand, answers that I often don't understand. Until the answers, with enough whys, complete the circle and land back where they started.

"Dad's got to go to work, Mihiretu."

"Why?"

"Well, he needs to support the family."

"Why?"

"Um, we need to eat and have a place to live."

"Why?"

"We'd be cold and hungry?"

"Why?"

"Because we'd be outside without food?"

"Why?"

"Because Dad didn't go to work?"

Today, it became apparent that Mihiretu's why reflex is now ingrained. When Lana mid-thought, said, "Mihiretu?" to get his attention, he said, automatically, "Why?"

Good question, son. One you, if you're like most of us, will be grappling with for the rest of your life.