One of the more amusing aspects of parenthood is observing how children interpret the language of adults. When they are toddlers, their misinterpretations are often charming. For instance, a young child might exclaim, “I’m so excited to see that bunnie!” instead of simply being happy to spot a bunny.
However, as kids grow older, the gap in understanding between children and adults can become more pronounced. This is curious, given that children are constantly absorbing their parents’ language. Yet, it seems they often become less adept at grasping what we mean.
Take, for example, a straightforward instruction like “Go wash your hands with soap and water.” This can result in a response devoid of both soap and water, leaving them with dirty hands. In fact, there’s a chance the child may completely skip the bathroom and end up in their room, adding more colorful markers to their already messy hands because, to them, “wash your hands” translates to “go create some art.”
Through my observations of my own school-aged daughter, I believe I’ve decoded this amusing communication gap. Below is a handy guide to what common phrases genuinely mean to kids.
What You Say: Go get dressed.
What That Means To Kids: Head to your room and start constructing a LEGO version of whatever you built in Minecraft last night.
What You Say: Put your laundry away.
What That Means To Kids: Open all drawers and toss clothes in the general vicinity. Closing drawers is strictly optional.
What You Say: Take a shower.
What That Means To Kids: Stand under the water but avoid scrubbing anything below the chest. Emerge with mud still stuck to those knees.
What You Say: Stop wrestling with your sister.
What That Means To Kids: Sit on your sister instead.
What You Say: Save your video game and come to dinner.
What That Means To Kids: ALERT! ALERT! This is the end of video games! There will never be another chance to play again! Initiate panic mode!
What You Say: I’m going to the bathroom.
What That Means To Kids: Stop your parent immediately and, with a sense of urgency usually reserved for impending disasters, discuss the most trivial topic possible until they are hopping from foot to foot in discomfort.
What You Say: Go clean up your room.
What That Means To Kids: Enter your room, close the door, and spend thirty minutes thumbing through a dictionary in search of funny words.
What You Say: I’m busy, I’ll be right there.
What That Means To Kids: Track down your parent and interrupt them for assistance with a complicated, and likely forbidden, task.
What You Say: Where did you put your shoes?
What That Means To Kids: Oh great, mom is now on a shoe-finding mission for me.
What You Say: What did you do in school today?
What That Means To Kids: This phrase acts as a powerful memory-erasing spell. Use it at your own risk, as it will likely render your child’s face blank and prompt them to reply, “I don’t know. Nothing.”
What You Say: Please stop imitating that Uncle Grandpa show.
What That Means To Kids: Better call the ACLU because my first amendment rights are being infringed!
Sadly, I haven’t cracked the code for how to get kids to find their own shoes or share details about their day at school. For now, I’m relying on the strategy of repeating myself, progressively louder, until they somewhat comply with my requests. If you’re interested in further insights into parenting, check out this related post on understanding children’s emotions.
For those navigating the journey of parenthood, it’s essential to remember that communication will always have its quirks. Whether you’re looking for tips on parenting or searching for an at-home insemination kit, consider exploring reputable sources like Make a Mom for your needs, or check out Healthline for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Parenting often leads to humorous misunderstandings between kids and adults, as children interpret common phrases in ways that reflect their unique perspectives. Understanding this communication gap can help parents navigate daily challenges with humor and patience.
Leave a Reply