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The Importance of Listening to My Toddler’s Thoughts
My little one has mastered the art of conversation, which is fantastic. The downside? He seems to have an endless supply of words.
Honestly, my toddler babbles non-stop. But that’s okay! The issue isn’t his chatter or even the amusing things he says—because let’s face it, kids can be downright hilarious. He often babbles about things he doesn’t quite get, and while I won’t claim my son has the best one-liners—because that title is reserved for the greats—he does have a way of making me chuckle.
The real challenge arises when we actually take his words into account.
Take yesterday, for example. My partner had planned a trip to the local transport museum so our son could explore some cool trains. Just before they were set to leave, she received a call from a school she was considering for our son’s enrollment. Suddenly, she faced a choice: museum or school? Naturally, she asked our 3-year-old for his preference.
You guessed it—his answer was a no-brainer.
My partner is committed to encouraging our child’s sense of agency, treating him with respect, and engaging him as an individual. But let’s be real—at 3 years old, he’s more of a charming little creature than a seasoned adult. Do you consult your dog before taking it for a walk? Or ask your cat if it’s okay to pet her? Of course not! You do what needs to be done, regardless of their feelings—unless you’re dealing with a cat, of course.
My son is just a toddler! He doesn’t have the wisdom of a sage or the capacity for rational thought. If you’ve ever tried to decipher a toddler’s logic, you know it can be a maddening experience. For a solid two months, my son referred to me as “Snack Guy” before I realized he picked it up from a show—talk about a communication barrier!
I fully support letting my child express himself, but let’s face it: toddlers don’t always know what’s good for them. While we strive to nurture his budding selfhood, not every thought that escapes his lips deserves our attention. Emotions can be valid, even if they stem from a place of pure whimsy. (Trust me; I’m married, so I know ignoring feelings is a slippery slope.)
Kudos to my partner for recognizing his emotions (“I understand you’re upset…”), validating them (“…and it’s okay to feel that way…”), and then expertly navigating the situation (“…but we’re going to the museum because I can swiftly carry you if needed, so get your shoes on!”).
It’s crucial to allow our child to voice his opinions. He has plenty—mostly about fire trucks, imaginary baseball games, and food he’s never tried but is convinced he won’t like. Even if his ideas come out as gibberish, they’re still his thoughts and deserve some acknowledgment.
Of course, they don’t hold any real weight, but as parents, we must act as if they do—up to a certain point. It’s essential to recognize our children as individuals and empower them, all while making sure we maintain authority as parents.
There’s a fine line between fostering a sense of empowerment and creating a sense of entitlement. Everyone’s got an opinion, but kids who always get their way can quickly become a handful.
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In summary, while my toddler’s opinions may be amusing, they’re not always actionable. We must strive to validate his feelings while guiding him toward understanding the world around him.