These are two reactions to Tostitos' campaign for their new flour tortilla chips. I rarely view television because I only get two stations at my house, but I recently caught Tostitos' new commercial. I liked it, mostly because it gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling, and if you've seen it, you're probably thinking I've really lost it this time. Well, I didn't really pay any attention to what these other bloggers saw; I was simply floored by the idea that a parent would continue providing answers to the redundant "Why?"
Growing up, most adults would give up after oh, say, the second why and start answering with, "Just because," which is what I'd probably do in the situation given my prior training. This commercial really opened my eyes. The more I work with children, the more I realize how important a role I, and all other adults, play in their lives. We're the examples; we're the "models," so to speak. I'm constantly teaching parents in my preschool storytimes to model proper behavior for their children to pick up. Eventually, even the most rambunctious 3-year-old will pay attention and start participating because hey, that's what mommy or daddy is doing!
While my narrative skills are lacking, I am learning from my career as a librarian that I can (and should) take some things from my professional life and use them in my personal life. What I mean is this: I am constantly saying that librarians don't have to know everything, they simply need to know where to find the answer. If I took this home with me, I'd be able to say to a child who asks why that if I didn't know the answer immediately we could search for it together. That way, I'd not be putting the child off or skating around the answers. That child would feel that he/she is deserving of an answer and he/she would hopefully learn through my example to try very diligently to address concerns, instead of brushing them under the rug.
1 comment:
Your narrative skills are NOT lacking. I love that you are continuing to develop your professional voice and share your insights. Great piece.
My brother and I grew up surrounded by an extended family of aunts and uncles who never got frustrated with our "whys" and would explore as long as it took. Sometimes, that meant catching the bus to the library at far away UB or Buff State. Growing up with these wonderful people in our lives is part of why, despite being raised by a single mom on limited finances, we both attended top universities and achieved advanced degrees.
What you are saying here is very important - I cringe when I hear parents scream "because!" in frustration when their children ask why, knowing that IN THE LONG run that seeking out the answers together will empower lifelong learners who ultimately find their own answers and share them with their families. Keep up the good work Lulu!
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