The Why-Because Loop

Few traps can be as devestating as the dreaded Why/Because Loop.  You know what I'm talking about.

"Why do we eat soup with a spoon, Daddy?"

"Because we can't use a fork."

"Why?

"Because forks don't scoop."

"Why?"

"Because they have tines."

"Why?"

"Because they're used for poking."

"Why?"

"Because some shmoe many many years ago decided he didn't want to use his hands to eat and therefore invented the fork for poking meat."

"Why?"

"BECAUSE!!!!!!!"

Until the child is old enough, there cannot be a satisfactory conclusion to this trap. It is endless. Hence, it loops. Over and over and over and over and over and over and over. Annoying, isn't it?

And what, you might ask, is the best way to avoid this situation?

Easy.

Don't speak to your children. Not a word. It's the only way. If you talk to them, you'll want to answer their questions (as any good parent does). But listen to me. Listen very closely. You'll be making a HUGE mistake. Trust me. This is good advice. The best answer is the simplest one.

Never again speak to your children. Don't respond to the crying. Don't cave to their demands. Gag yourself with a paper towel if you must. But, and I can't stress this enough...

Don't speak to your children.  They'll learn just fine on their own.  :)

(note: as good as this advice is, for some reason i've been unable to follow it myself. if, like me, you fail in your attempt, do not chastise yourself. you're only human.)