Answering the question when it's asked by children

**Kizmet** · 15th May 06, 08:48 PM

Would you kind and wonderful gents help me out a bit?

How would you respond to the various questions that you hear all the time if the questioner was a child? I've seen all the clever responses, but the vast majority of them aren't child-appropriate.

Is the answer different if it's a boy or girl?

(Let's define child as under 10 and not really aware of the vive-la-difference.)

Thanks for your help.

Kizmet

**mrpharr** · 15th May 06, 08:51 PM

I'm not sure if I know what you are asking...Is it,"what's under the kilt?"

**Kizmet** · 15th May 06, 08:52 PM

That would be the number 1 question, but also "Why are you wearing a skirt?"

**Caradoc** · 15th May 06, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by Kizmet

That would be the number 1 question, but also "Why are you wearing a skirt?"

"Because if I didn't wear it, it might get lonely."

**Moosehead** · 15th May 06, 08:55 PM

All I would say is a simple "It really isn't a question you should ask someone". I know, pretty simple.

It is, however, the same answer I give my 12 year-old when she asks me how much "pay" I get.

**Panache** · 15th May 06, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by Kizmet

That would be the number 1 question, but also "Why are you wearing a skirt?"

"It is a type of skirt. This a traditional type of Scottish clothing that men wear. It is called a kilt. I have Scottish ancestry and am wearing it to honor my past".

I have had some pretty wonderful experiences talking with very young ladies (ages 4-7) about kilts. Especially the story of the origin of the kilt pin. If you are talking to young boys. Use the same explaination as above but throw in "the Scots were fierce warriors and carried many different kinds of swords and axes into battle". Guaranteed the conversation will veer toward a discourse on antique weapons, and the boys (bloodthirsty lads one and all) will be entertained.

Cheers

**motorman4life** · 15th May 06, 09:50 PM

One day I was over at a buddy's place (on-duty, in uniform) watching baseball during my lunch break and some read-headed guy with a beard was on the screen. His young daughter (about 8 years old) looked at him and turned and said, "I can tell, that guy right there is Irish!" I laughed and said, "He is?" She replied, "Yeah, I can just tell by looking at him and it's not just the red hair either." I asked, "Okay, then what am I?" She walked around me pausing briefly and chirped, "Scottish!" I asked, "Are you sure?" She said, "Yup! ...well are you?" I said "Yup." She was taken aback and said, "Really, do you ever wear a kilt?" I replied, "Sure I do." She took on a really serious look and said, "Really?" I said, "Yes, I do." She said, "Next time you wear a kilt, I want to see it!" I said, "Okay." She paused and without missing a beat, she asked, "Um, you don't look like a clown in it, do you?" I repled, "Well, you'll have to tell me when you see it."

I had never given it much thought, but after an exchange like that with a 5th grader, I'm pretty confident most 8 year olds can grasp the concept!

**Moosehead** · 15th May 06, 09:56 PM

Same can be said of some adults M4L. My 9 yr old Goddaughter is taking Highland dancing at school. Not a drop of Scots blood. For all intents and purposes, she's a full blooded Mi'kmaq Indian. Her Mom wasn't thrilled when I said I'd make her a kilt, but her Dad understood. He's a Mi'kmaq who grew up in Cape Breton. Guess its all about environment.

**Roan Carter** · 15th May 06, 10:14 PM

I understand the question. It seems that ... even in some branches of my family ... the kids just want to play Yugi-oh! and fit in. They lack the experience of having seen the things that someone just a few years older has seen. This is an opportunity to educate a bit, no?

But I think that to say "I'm Scottish-American" would suffice.

If that is not your case, which is totally cool, I'm sure there are ways to explain that the garment is part of a unique heritage of a strong and proud people. It's like a police uniform, or gladiator gear. ^_^

You could also cite the fundamental differences between a typical skirt and a kilt. The foremost of which is the fact that kilts are wrapped onto you and pleated in a manner that is part of tradition.

**mbhandy** · 15th May 06, 10:19 PM

I posted this before about being in Home Depot and a little girl ask her mom why I was wearing a skirt and he mom looked at me and said to her daughter "That's not a skirt but a Kilt and only real men wear kilts." Then the little girl asked me why was I wearing an artist hat and I said it was a Scotish Diced Balmoral Bonnet and She said "Cool".

MrBill