Drains

David has a mind that likes to know how things work. He's had a fascination with electricity since birth, and he also keeps us on our toes with questions around plumbing. Where does the water go? used to be a common question at the end of his bath. Sam and I have each had turns explaining the path from pipes in the wall and down to the sewer. When Daddy and David took walks over the summer, David wanted to know about the drains they would  pass in the curb and sidewalk. He just likes to know.

So naturally when David discovered heater vents in our house several months ago, he wanted to know all about them. We explained that they blow air, and helped him put his hand over the forced air.

We discovered a few months ago that the little dixie cup of water we left next to David's bed every night would occasionally be poured down the air vent. Ummm. Not a good idea. So we went over it again, showed him how the vents blow air, and clarified again to him that these are air vents.

He seemed to ignore us. He kept pouring water down the air vent. Of course, we no longer put dixie cups of water in his bedroom, but he would find occasion to dump some water every now and then.

About a month ago, we were clearing the table after dinner, and all three of us were in the small dining room area. David was very nonchalant as he walked over to the air vent and poured his milk down it. Like it was the most normal thing in the world. He was so deliberate about it, and Sam and I were both right there. We were about to blow our lid over what felt like defiant behavior from our toddler. He knew it was an air vent. We had told him many times that we don't pour things down the air vent. I was so puzzled, and nearly beside myself as I sat there astounded that he would be so naughty with both of his parents standing right there.

Then a glimmer of inspiration came to me.

Me: David, do you know that an air vent is not a drain?

David: Oh. It isn't?

Me: No. It's an air vent.

David: Oh. Okay.

And he hasn't poured anything down an air vent since.

I always knew I would have to teach my children about what things are.

It didn't dawn on me that I'd have to teach them about what they aren't.

Now I know.