Haircuts, Moons & Daddy's Socks

It was inevitable that the day would arrive...Dayton is fully immersed in the "why" phase. Not too long ago, as parents, Scott and I were wondering when that stage was coming and thought maybe he was a little behind with his "questioning". Well, today as parents, I'm quite sure we'd have been happy to prolong the phase from starting just a little bit longer. Now don't get me wrong, the why questions that are actually meaningful are a pleasure to answer and talk about. Like the other day Dayton got this smile and said, "Can I ask you a question mama?" (It was the cutest thing and frankly I was quite scared about what might come out of his mouth) "Why do dogs eat bugs?" Scott and I burst out laughing! Those are the questions I enjoy. I don't enjoy: "Dayton, it's time to eat." "But why?" he asks. "Because it is dinner time." "But why is it dinner time?" Now I know all you parents out there know exactly what I'm talking about...it's those endless why questions that are preceded by a "but". What are the parenting rules with this? Do you just keep on answering until they stop asking? Do you answer with a "because I said so?" Do you ignore their constant questions? Seriously, how do you manage to cultivate learning or instill patience during this developmental phase when all you want to do is say "I love you, but please shut up child." Thought I would share a true Dayton photo: way overdue on a haircut, missing shorts and sporting daddy's socks. Somehow, it is moments like this one that make all the "why's" less aggravating.