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;-)
3 times in the past 4 days Gareth has asked me about war. Specifically, he has asked me if daddy is going to get sent to war and get killed there. After the first 2 conversations I managed to convince him that Harald was not going to get sent to war. (I say with crossed fingers)
The most recent conversation had him asking about other men in our lives who are important to him...and if they were going to get killed in war.
He is *really really* afraid. And it appears that I will not be able to calm his fears, not even a little bit.
As one of my curling-mates said today, the most warlike thing he should need to worry about is whether or not his snow fort will provide adequate protection.
Today, like every other day, I was faced with my children growing and aging in ways outside of my control. I hate it when the day falls into the "be very afraid" category instead of the "would you look at that" category.
Sigh
Maybe we should listen to top 40 music in the car instead of Radio1
Double Sigh