As a parent, it’s not uncommon to encounter moments that leave you both amused and perplexed. Recently, my six-year-old son, Oliver, decided to communicate in a language of his own invention, which he amusingly dubbed “Burrito.” This peculiar form of expression consists of him repeating the word “burrito” with dramatic fluctuations in tone and volume. When he asks a question, he raises the pitch, and when he’s disappointed, he lowers his voice, creating an odd yet entertaining display.
However, as I faced this verbal onslaught at 8 AM on a Saturday, my enthusiasm for his creativity was waning. I had just woken up and was not ready to engage in a conversation that made no sense to me. Clad in his superhero-themed pajamas, Oliver was energetically tugging at my pants, fixated on whatever he wanted from the top of the fridge, all while incessantly repeating “burrito.”
“Oliver,” I said, trying to regain control of the morning. “I’m not up for this right now. Just tell me what you want in English.”
“Burrito!” he replied, undeterred.
“Great,” I responded, “Then you get nothing.”
His relentless efforts continued, as he tugged harder, pointing and repeating that same word. It was frustrating because I knew he could articulate his thoughts clearly. As someone who values effective communication—having spent years studying English—I want my children to express themselves fluently. Yet, here was Oliver, in his own little world, finding joy in a language that seemed nonsensical.
Interestingly, he has no interest in actually eating burritos, preferring ramen noodles, dinosaur-shaped meat, and mac and cheese. His knowledge of burritos is limited to the ones offered to him, which he regards with an expression of fear, as if they were some daunting challenge. I couldn’t help but wonder where this fascination with “burrito” came from.
Standing there, observing him, I felt a mix of nostalgia and concern. Did I inadvertently pass on my own quirks to him? Would he be the kid in high school who answered, “What’s the capital of New Mexico?” with “Burrito!”?
I crouched down to his level, searching his blue eyes for understanding. “Oliver, I need you to stop saying ‘burrito’ for the rest of the day. If you can communicate what you want in a way I understand, I will get it for you—whatever it is. Cookies, toys, you name it. Just ask in English. Do you understand?”
His response? A cheeky “Burrito!” followed by an impish grin, as if to say, “This is too entertaining to give up!”
In that moment, I wondered if I was overreacting. Was speaking in “Burrito” a punishable offense? I recalled my own childhood—being teased for my eccentricities and the times I lost opportunities because of my attempts at humor. I worried that my son was following a similar path, and that my disciplinary action might not change the quirky genes I’d passed down to him.
In conclusion, while my child’s unique expressions might drive me up the wall, they also remind me of the joy and creativity that childhood brings. It’s essential to balance encouraging their individuality with guiding them toward effective communication. For more insights on parenting and child development, check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination NHS. Additionally, for guidance on home insemination, visit Make a Mom, and check out our other blog post here for more engaging content.