One of the most amusing aspects of being a parent is observing how children interpret adult language. When they’re young, it’s endearing—like when a toddler exclaims, “Look at that fluffy bunny!” instead of just saying they’re happy to see it. However, as kids grow, the communication gap between them and their parents can become puzzling. You might think that as children become more fluent in their parents’ language, understanding would improve, but the opposite often seems true.
For instance, a straightforward command like “Please wash your hands with soap and water” could lead to a response where soap and water are completely ignored, and the child instead finds themselves in their room, creatively adding colorful markings to their already dirty hands. “Washing hands” in KidSpeak might translate to “time for some art!”
Having watched my own child navigate this world of words, I’ve compiled a fun guide to decode what common phrases really mean to kids.
What You Say vs. What That Means To Kids
- What You Say: Get dressed.
What That Means To Kids: Head to your room and start building an epic Lego creation inspired by last night’s Minecraft session. - What You Say: Put your laundry away.
What That Means To Kids: Open every drawer and toss clothes in without any regard for organization. Closing drawers? That’s just too much work. - What You Say: Take a shower.
What That Means To Kids: Stand under the water but ignore scrubbing anything below the waist. Come out still dirty, especially around the knees. - What You Say: Stop wrestling with your sibling.
What That Means To Kids: Just change your position and sit on your sibling instead. - What You Say: Save your video game and come to dinner.
What That Means To Kids: ALERT! This is a dire situation! The video game might be taken away forever! Initiate panic mode! - What You Say: I’m going to the bathroom.
What That Means To Kids: Immediately stop your parent and discuss the least significant topic at length, making them squirm in discomfort. - What You Say: Go clean your room.
What That Means To Kids: Enter the room, shut the door, and spend an eternity searching through a dictionary for the funniest words. - What You Say: I’m busy, I’ll be right there.
What That Means To Kids: Find your parent and interrupt them to request help with something complicated and likely off-limits. - What You Say: Where are your shoes?
What That Means To Kids: Oh, great! Mom or Dad will help me find my shoes. - What You Say: What did you learn in school today?
What That Means To Kids: This phrase acts like a memory wipe; be prepared for a blank stare and the words, “I don’t know. Nothing.” - What You Say: Please stop mimicking that show.
What That Means To Kids: My rights are being suppressed! Call the ACLU!
While I haven’t cracked the code for getting kids to locate their shoes or share about their school day, I’ve discovered that repeating myself—louder each time—sometimes works magic.
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In summary, parenting is a delightful journey filled with misunderstandings that often lead to laughter. Despite the communication challenges, the love and creativity kids bring into our lives make it all worthwhile.