Dealing with Child Logic
Never underestimate Child Logic, it might get you into more trouble than you bargained for. If your child asks you a question, even when he’s not yet 4 years old, it’s best to answer as correctly as you can. If you are going to make stuff up (which inevitably will always happen), exercise extreme caution and think about its possible repercussions. They remember what you say pretty well, so be clear and try not to leave gaps or loopholes. They are even able to take what you said, rationalise and apply it to another scenario, so be very, very careful.
My current time with Zharif has been a very learning experience with regards to Child Logic. Here are a few...
Child Logic example #1:
Zharif likes to spit as a form of defiance (not the quick focused type, but the slow one which bubbles in his lips and comes out as a spray.) I always scold him when he does it, and I am trying my best to rid him of this habit. On the way to his kindy once, he did his typical spitting sound when I told him to sit properly. I told him: “Enough! Daddy doesn’t want you spitting. Kalau Daddy nampak (If daddy sees) you do it again, you’re going to get it from me!” He did look chastened, especially after seeing my glare, and looked away. But while looking away, suddenly a question squeaked out, “Kalau Daddy tak nampak, boleh?” (If Daddy doesn’t see, can?)
I couldn’t help laughing, and he certainly defused any temper that was boiling!
Child Logic example #2:
On another trip, this time to his reading class, Zharif had his reluctant, not-so-keen-to-go face on. I told him that if he attends it, I would take him out as a reward, and maybe even pick up a toy. What I failed to mention was the timing, I was planning to treat him not that day, as I had to go to work after, but the weekend.
When my mother-in-law picked him up later instead of me, his child logic meant that he got really upset, asking her where I was, I was supposed to take him out, etc. He ended up crying apparently, and admittedly, the fault was mine, I should have been more specific.
Child Logic example #3:
I once brought him into the room when I couldn’t tolerate his whining anymore. I was in the room with him and I told him that if he had to stop whining and crying, before he can leave the room. He was so scared of me apparently that he ended up peeing in his pants (a first!) I thawed immediately, feeling really bad, and took him into the bathroom to clean up and consoled him after.
The next day, on the way to the kindy, I ask him if he . Then I asked him if he remembered peeing in his pants yesterday. He said,very cheekily: “Ingat! Semalam, daddy marah, tapi bila Zharif pee dalam pants, lepas tu, daddy tak marah dah, ha ha ha!” (Remember! Yesterday, daddy was angry, but when I peed in my pants, daddy wasn’t angry anymore ha ha ha!)
Not the solution I want him to take every time I get angry with him! But how do I make sure he doesn’t do it on purpose the next time?
So, to new parents, you have been warned. Child logic can be dangerous if not handled well!
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