Be Quiet!

I know that kids can be annoying. I know they try patience. Believe me, I know.
The other day little M and I were at the grocery store, and several times we passed a mom with a little girl who was about little M’s age. This little girl was super inquisitive.
She asked questions about every single thing that was put into the cart, she asked questions about the cart itself, and about other people’s carts. There were many, many questions. Every time we passed them the mom looked more and more harried, until we finally heard her say loudly, “be quiet!”

The difference between this little girl and little M were glaringly obvious. Little M was talking, but there were no questions. Because I can count on one hand the number of times that little M has asked a question. Other than to ask where her kitty is, she doesn’t ask questions, and she has never asked why or how questions.
Maybe that sounds great to you…maybe your kids tax your patience with all of their questions.

But if they never did…never? I think you would miss it. I know I do. I wish my kid asked questions. I imagine that she has the same thoughts that other kids do. Maybe she wondered all of the same things the little girl in the store was voicing…but little M just doesn’t know how to ask the things she wonders about, and she doesn’t know how to voice her thoughts.

Maybe if she did ask non-stop questions, I would be annoyed, as well. But she doesn’t…and so I am wishing and waiting for something that most likely tries the patience of every mom out there.
I am waiting for my child to ask why we are buying sugar, or what does that word say, or can we buy that cereal. I am waiting and longing for my child to voice the opinion she obviously has.
I am waiting anxiously to hear her thoughts, and to talk about her feelings. I know there are so many things she remembers from before she came home, so many things she has had to process alone, because she couldn’t talk about them, and I am hoping for the day that she will be able to answer me when I ask her what she is thinking about.

4 Comments

  1. Hollis H. Notgrass on October 16, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    Take heart! She'll get there… why, you said she recently started asking \”what's the name?\” of everything, and realizing that both people and pets have their own names. 🙂

  2. Terry on October 16, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    It will happen! With our Em, she was very reserved, quiet, as if she was taking it all in. Then, overnight, (not really) she seemed so interested, not so quiet, and asked about everything. She still does! My mom always said kids were like little sponges and myna birds….soaking up things, listening and repeating everything! Enjoy every minute!! 🙂

  3. Musings from Kim K. on October 17, 2011 at 10:45 am

    It'll come. I promise. Once it does, she won't let up. (smile).

  4. Bev on October 19, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    It sounds like she is working towards it and hopefully will soon be asking those questions that you so want to hear… Maybe she's still sorting out being able to hear after so long of not being able and too busy listening and learning right now. With your support, love and encouragement, I'm sure she'll get there!

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