I studied computational mathematics in undergraduate school, and went on to do graduate work in engineering. This qualifies me as a super-geek / advanced nerd / dweeb extraordinaire - and I have the papyrus to prove it. This has created some probably-not-unforseen consequences - namely, my children have nerd leanings. For the benefit of those who are themselves nascent geek, and who might consider procreating, let me give some insight into how that's going to work.
Today's blog will talk about one possibility - your children will exhibit tendencies to be literalists. Examples include:
- My son, then age 3, comes into the bathroom as I'm finishing running his bathwater. I say, "OK, jump into the tub". He proceeds to make a leaping attempt to enter the bath, but does not quite make it. I now have to explain to my wife why bathtime has turned into tears time (as well as the exceedingly large welt on the side of his head)
- Another son is getting ready to start school. As any responsible (snort!) parent would do, I take it upon myself to teach him traffic safety. We come to a street which we desire to cross, and I ask, "Do you see any cars?". Whereupon, my son replies, "Yeah, Dad, there's a bunch all parked on the sides."
- Various discussions in the vein of, "I'm not touching you, I'm touching your clothes", and "I didn't hit you, I just pushed and the floor / wall / doorpost hit you."
In future installments, we'll explore other perils of engineer / scientist offspring...
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