Over the course of one weekend, my 6-year-old asked me two thinking cap questions.
“Is magic real?” and
“Are we rich?”
I love answering complicated questions. In fact, the conversations which follow these questions rank high on my top ten list of favorite parenting moments.
Why?
Well, obviously, I get really buzzed from the power and responsibility tied up in answering these questions.
Me?
I’m grown up enough to answer such questions?
Me?
You think I know the answers to such questions???
Me?
Are you saying my answers are the right answers?
Me?
Honey, I was hoping you had the answers.
Oh, how I am humbled by these moments, though, as much as I am empowered.
In these moments, I understand how much my answers will shape my son’s thinking.
But in these moments, I also understand how little my answers truly will shape his thinking. My answers, in the long run, will only set him thinking more.
In these moments, I am indebted to him for making me feel – even temporarily – as if I am brilliant, all-knowing, and in control. Simultaneously, though, I am in awe of the complete and utter faith a six-year-old has in his mother, and grateful for the gift he has given me — the simplicity with which I may answer.
When else in our lives are we gifted with such simplicity, such confidence, such love and respect?
and yadda yadda, an aliyah blog 
Loved this.
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Thanks!
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Is magic real.? Now you’ve really got me thinking. I love how six year olds can ask the most innocent sounding but searching questions
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I know. It can break your heart!
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My 16 YO still thinks I’m all-knowing and all-powerful
Snort. Not really. 😉
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man. so it runs out at some point? 😉
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The questions are powerful. Not simple. I think it’s a good idea to wonder (or ask them) what made them ask such questions and clarify that because clearly this is a question we can’t answer simply. Well what do I know i am not even a parent 😛
And Jen you wrote the end beautifully… Love from a parent, partner or friend is nothing like this… Unquestioned belief in your words.
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This is perfect. Tonight at dinner my 8 year old asked me something, followed quickly by questions coming at me from her two sisters. I looked at my husband and whispered. “How amazing would it be if every one thought that I was so comprehensively knowledgeable?” I do love the way they make *us* think.
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Magic is real, but we can’t see all of the tricks.
I love these questions because it is a great opportunity to bond with the kids and to really think about some things that we might not have ever considered before.
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