ATE Episode #1: The Basics

M: What is the Number One Most Important Rule in this family?

E: I don't know.

M: You have to think about it.

E: I think about it but I don't know even more.

(after some discussion of how knowing the "right" answer isn't really necessary, just give your best "educated guess"...we move on)

M: Okay. What do you think is the Number One Most Important Rule in our family?

E: Um. Um. No hitting and no kicking.

M: That's a very good rule. Next question: What is the Number One Most Important Rule at School?

E: No jumping and no running and no hitting and no jumping on friends.

M: What is mama's favourite thing to eat?

E: Um, shrimp?

M: (dipped in chocolate, maybe...) Okay, and what about dada?

E: I don't know.

M: If you had to guess...

E: I. Don't. Know. Can you please take the lid off of my hot chocolate cup?

M: What is mama's favourite thing to do?

E: Play with me!

M: What is dada's favourite thing to do?

E: Play with me too!

M: Where would you like to go on a trip?

E: To...Hawaii! And Cosmic Adventures, 'kay?....
...I would like another nap. After this whole thing here (gestures toward computer).

M: Last question. If you could be any animal, what would you be?

E: A giraffe.

M: Why?

E: (pulls down shirt) Look how long neck I have!

~

This is the first installment of what I hope to be many discussions with The Expert about various issues. I have learned from this inaugural episode that my daughter is quite firmly planted in the real world and is the kind of student who might leave a question blank on a test rather than write a bunch of nonsense in the hopes of part marks. I'm not sure how I feel about this.

Please feel free to submit your question for The Expert. I'm sure she'll be happy to field it, unless of course she Doesn't. Know. The Answer.