By: Jamie Thompson
It was an early Saturday morning, around 8 AM, when my six-year-old son, Oliver, began conversing in a language he invented called “Burrito.” This unique form of communication involves him repeating the word “burrito” with varied tones and volumes. When he asks something, the pitch rises at the end; when he expresses disappointment, it drops low; and when he’s feeling angry, the word is delivered quickly in a high-pitched tone. To him, this is utterly hilarious.
For me, however, it was a source of irritation. I had just awoken and wasn’t in the mood for Oliver’s linguistic antics. He was wearing his superhero-themed pajamas, wide-eyed with excitement, tugging at my pants while pointing at the candy stash on top of the fridge and chanting “burrito” incessantly.
“Oliver,” I said, trying to maintain my composure. “I just woke up; can we please communicate in English? Just tell me what you want.”
“Burrito,” he replied cheerfully.
“Great,” I said sarcastically. “That means you get nothing.”
He continued his relentless tugging and repetition, seemingly convinced I would decipher his meaning. Yet, I found it utterly nonsensical. After all, he is articulate and capable of expressing himself in a clear manner when he chooses to. I’ve spent years emphasizing the importance of effective communication, believing it fosters personal growth and self-awareness. So, how was this absurd “Burrito” language aiding his development?
Interestingly, despite his obsession with the word, Oliver refuses to eat actual burritos. His diet consists mainly of ramen noodles, dinosaur-shaped meat products, and mac and cheese, with only the marshmallows from Lucky Charms making a regular appearance. His aversion to real burritos perplexed me, leading me to question the origin of his fascination with the word.
I wondered how long this phase would persist. Would he be the kid in high school who jokingly answered questions with “burrito”? Would he think he was being funny, unaware of the potential for offense?
As I watched him standing there, still repeating “burrito” with a mischievous grin, I felt an overwhelming urge to cover his mouth—not out of anger, but out of concern. He bore a striking resemblance to my younger self, with the same stocky build, blue eyes, and cheeky smile. This similarity reminded me of my own childhood quirks and the times I faced ridicule for my oddities.
I crouched down to meet his gaze and declared, “Oliver, I’d like you to refrain from saying ‘burrito’ for the rest of the day. Just ask me what you want in English, and I promise I’ll get it for you. This is a special opportunity—you could ask for cookies or even a toy. Just say it clearly, okay?”
“Burrito,” he replied, a sly smile spreading across his face, as if to say, “I’m here for my amusement!”
I sent him to his room, questioning whether my frustration was justified. Was I overreacting? All I could think about were the times I faced teasing for being different, and how I sometimes sabotaged my own chances with humor. I pondered if my son was unknowingly following in my footsteps, and whether isolating him would alter the quirky traits I had passed down.
In the end, I was reminded that unique personalities often come with their own delightful quirks. As parents, it’s essential to navigate these moments with patience and understanding, recognizing that creativity and humor play significant roles in a child’s development.
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Summary
This article reflects on the author’s experiences with their quirky son, Oliver, who speaks in a self-created language called “Burrito.” It explores the challenges and humor of parenting while highlighting the importance of communication and individuality in child development.
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