So, the conversation went something like this:
Dad: If I told you the sky was blue, would you argue with me?
Kid: No.
pause
Kid: But it isn't blue. It's brownish, blackish, with just a tiny bit of blue.
We have entered the argumentative phase of development. Okay, we haven't really just entered it; we've been here a while. But it seems to be permeating all areas of life right now. Where it used to just be arguing about turning off the TV or brushing teeth, we're now finding ourselves embroiled in lengthy discussions about the simplest items. Most peculiarly, my kid will even take hold of a position not in his best interest.
For example, his dad told him that he couldn't be on the computer today until later this evening. He helped me clean up the kitchen, he's quietly practicing his numbers, and he's just being an all around sweet kid. So I told him that he could get on the computer this afternoon. Instead of being thankful, he says, "Dad told me I couldn't get on until evening. That's past afternoon." I said, "Okay. I guess not until this evening."
He even got in trouble in school recently for arguing with his teacher. She was calling kids up to help with a math exercise, and she called him. He said it was another boy's turn, and he refused to participate. He ended up getting sent out into the hall.
Is it a sense of fairness or stability he's looking for? Is this his way of fighting back against an unexpected result? Or will this be the technique he uses to figure out the boundaries of his world? I myself am at a loss on how to help my boy navigate these waters, but for now, I think my best defense will be a quick, "Nuh-uh," and a change of subject.
