Question Authority?

One thing I love about NYC is the public library system.  We're always hearing about cuts in their funding, which is so sad to think about because so many people use the libraries' services for so many things beyond books.  One thing we've taken advantage of is all of the "programming" the libraries offer.  Beyond story time and book clubs, the libraries offer presentations and classes on all sorts of topics.  During spring break our neighborhood library (2 minute walk) hosted a naturalist giving a talk appropriate for school aged children on birds of prey.  She brought along three birds:  a red tailed hawk, a horned owl, and an American kestrel.

She was full of facts, and Freddie was quite pleased that he was able to answer all of her questions including listing the birds of prey.  She was most impressed that he included the osprey because "everyone forgets that one."  She was not however impressed with his comment "I knew that" after everything she shared.  She probably wanted to grind his arrogant little 6 year old behind into the ground.  Needless to say, he and I had a long conversation about what's appropriate during someone's presentation.

And then there was my other darling child.  I must begin by saying I was so proud of him for raising his hand.  He is so timid and speaks in a whisper when addressing strangers.  I couldn't believe he was going to speak to a stranger in front of a crowd of about 30 people.  He thought a long time before getting that hand up high enough to be noticed.

And then he was called on and said"  When an owl's wing comes off it can grow back."  (The birds she had with her all had significant wing injuries.)  I've got to give him credit for his comment at least being remotely relevant to what she was talking about because the other audience members in the under 4 crowd weren't necessarily offering relevant discussion points.  The presenter didn't go along with his comment and quickly corrected his tidbit as false.

Well, about 5 minutes later up his hand went again.  "Well, a long time ago owls really were able to grow wings back."  The kid is stubborn.  He's got to have the last word.  And he's gotta be right.  Sigh.  She knew better than to go up against the force of Hans and let him slide and go ahead and "correct" her.  I'm not sure what to do about this guy.