Charlotte asked me to sing her a goodnight song. So I begin to sing "When you wish upon a star" But she stops me and says she wants me to sing "Venus Kissed the Moon" by Christine Lavin. Charlotte really likes this song because we get to steal kisses from one another while I sing. Dutifully, I switch tunes and begin to sing "Venus..."
This evening Charlotte is full of questions and chat. I never did finish the song. The banter that replaced the song went like this.
Charlotte: Mummy? What is Venus?
Me: It is a planet that goes around the Sun just like earth does.
Charlotte: (gesticulating with upturned palms) Well of course Venus could kiss the Moon. The Moon is in *space* and Venus is in *space*
Me: You are right Charlie. The Moon and Venus are both in space.
Charlotte: Have people ever come back from space??
(I am curious about her motivation in that question...is she asking about alien abductions?...I resist the urge to ask an think it better to direct her to reality)
Me: Of course people come back from space. Remember the movie we saw at the Science Centre on the big screen. That movie was full of people who went to space and came back.
Charlotte: You mean that movie was real and not just pretend!!?!??
Me: Yes! That movie was *really* filmed in *real* space. Would you like to work in space one day?
Charlotte: You have to be very good in math to go to space. Right Mummy?? I'm good in math.
Me: So you really want to go work in space, or would you like to be a school teacher?
Charlotte: I want to go work in space. (she pauses thoughtfully and then adds brightly) But I will miss you Mummy!!
Is it possible to understand the inner workings of the mind-of-four-yearolds. What motivates them to say the things they do.
Clearly she doesn't think I will visit her at the office;-)