Morgan asked a question this morning: What does sunset mean?
This is by no means her first question of random origin, nor will it be her last - they come up VERY often. These questions are the type that make you think a little harder. It is the moment you try to answer and realize your answer is misguided, an attempt at avoidance, or per scientific or other fact simply incorrect.
I started to explain that it means the sun sets - which is a ridiculous answer that needs further clarification, so by sets I mean that it sets / goes down from the sky (behind the mountains in our case) allowing the sky to go dark and the moon to come out. But the fact is that this is kind of wrong - as I'm answering I am thinking in my brain - the sun doesn't actually set - we rotate away from it. I did some quick research and it defined "sunset" as the disappearance of the sun because of the rotation which then of course leads to more questions...
I have found that when kids ask questions, it is a learning moment for them and us (hopefully at least). There are so many things we say everyday and never really think about in great detail. And, it is a great reminder that the easy answer is not always right or best.
Given my epiphany today, I am going to try really really hard to go the extra mile on my answers and provide as much info as possible. Parents are the 1st teachers kids have - so I better be a good one. Here's to expanding our brains...
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