What Does the 3-Year-Old Say?

 

I sat down with my 3-year-old today and asked her some questions, just to see what she would say.  It was illuminating to say the least.  The most enjoyable thing about the whole process was how much she basked in my undivided attention, making me realize that I really need to take the time and add some effort into having REAL conversations with her...beyond just asking her how her day went.

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Can we play a game where I ask you questions and write down what you say?  It's called "doing an interview."
Ok, Mommy.  Like a writing game?

Exactly.  Can you tell me what makes you happy?
Tigers.

Really.  What about them?
Because the mama tigers have baby tigers and they are sooooo cute.  And I can feed them.

You aren't scared that they would bite you?
No!  The mama tiger would just tell the baby tiger "No biting!"

I'll be sure to keep an eye on you at the zoo...  What about things that make you sad?
I cry when my sister takes stuff from me.

Yes, I know, loudly.  Why do you think she does that?
Because SHE is sad that I have something and she doesn't.

That's very insightful.  And also why Mommy buys two of everything.  You have a birthday coming up soon!  What do you think will be different about being 4 years old?
Ummmm...maybe I will sing on a stage in front of people.  Hey, Daire's not going to be 4.  Just me.

Yes, you will always be 2 years older than her.  What else can 4 -year-olds do that 3-year-olds can't?
Eat cookies a lot, probably.  And have parties.

Maybe we should watch less Disney channel.
I have to go potty.

*Potty Break*

So who do you think is the coolest person in the whole world?
You, Mommy!

Good answer.  What makes me so cool?
You just know lots of people.

Like who?
Uncle Josh.

So I'm cool because I know Uncle Josh?
Yup.

Interesting.  What do you want to be when you grow up?
A grown up.

Naturally.  What kind of job do you want to have?
Homework, like you.  And to go to school every day, like you.

So you want to be a teacher?
Yes, I want to teach big kids at school.

We'll talk more about that life choice later.  Do you want to get married when you grow up?
Yup, to my Daddy.

But I'm already married to Daddy.
I know that.  You can just go marry someone else though.  I will miss you, but you'll just have to find another person.

You seem to have put an alarming amount of thought into kicking me out one day.  Moving on...can you tell me where God lives?
At home.

Where's that?
Probably in like, a really old, old, old school.

I thought he lived in Heaven?
That's what I said.

Right.  How do you get there?
You can just drive your car and stuff.

I thought you got to Heaven by asking Jesus to live in your heart?
I know that already.

Ok, so how does Jesus get in your heart?
He just knows people.

We obviously need to start getting to church in time for Sunday School.  Here's a hard one - Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
With chickens in my ears.

WHAT?!
I don't know?!

Too heavy of a question?
Yeah, because I don't even know what you are talking about.  I don't know people like Jesus does!

Let's take a nap.  You're delirious.
Just stop talking to me.