Navigating the world of parenthood often leads to some pretty amusing moments, particularly when it comes to how children interpret what adults say. In their younger years, kids’ misinterpretations can be downright adorable. For instance, when a toddler exclaims, “I’m so excited to see that bunny!” instead of simply being thrilled to spot it, it’s hard not to smile.
As kids grow older, however, the gap in understanding can widen, even though they should be mastering the same language as their parents. It’s quite puzzling when a parent says something straightforward like “Please wash your hands with soap and water,” only for the child to misunderstand completely and end up creating an even bigger mess, perhaps by doodling on their hands with markers instead of cleaning them.
I’ve been observing this quirky language phenomenon in my own school-aged kid, and I think I’ve cracked the code! Here’s a fun guide to what common phrases really mean according to kids.
What You Say: Go get dressed.
What It Means To Kids: Head to your room and start building with Legos instead of changing clothes.
What You Say: Put your laundry away.
What It Means To Kids: Open all the drawers and toss clothes in a general direction—closing drawers is optional.
What You Say: Take a shower.
What It Means To Kids: Stand in the shower while avoiding any actual cleaning below the waist. Emerge still dirty—bonus points for muddy knees!
What You Say: Stop wrestling with your sister.
What It Means To Kids: Sit on your sister instead.
What You Say: Save your video game and come to dinner.
What It Means To Kids: ALARM! This is the last chance to play video games ever! Panic mode activated!
What You Say: I’m going to the bathroom.
What It Means To Kids: Immediately stop your parent to discuss the most trivial topic imaginable, making them squirm in urgency.
What You Say: Go clean up your room.
What It Means To Kids: Enter the room, shut the door, and engage in a 30-minute deep dive into the dictionary for funny words.
What You Say: I’m busy, I’ll be right there.
What It Means To Kids: Find your parent and interrupt their busy moment to ask for help with something complicated or possibly against the rules.
What You Say: Where did you put your shoes?
What It Means To Kids: Awesome, mom is going to search for my shoes for me!
What You Say: What did you do in school today?
What It Means To Kids: This phrase acts like a memory eraser. Use it sparingly, or you might just get a blank stare followed by “I don’t know. Nothing.”
What You Say: Please stop imitating that Uncle Grandpa show.
What It Means To Kids: My free speech rights are being violated! It’s time for a protest!
While I haven’t cracked the secret to getting kids to find their shoes or recall their school day, I’ve resorted to the tried-and-true method of repeating myself, getting louder each time, until they begrudgingly comply.
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In conclusion, understanding what kids think we mean when we speak can be a hilarious journey of miscommunication. The next time you find yourself bewildered by your child’s interpretation of your words, just remember: it’s all part of the parenting adventure!