Understanding the Communication Gap: What I Say vs. What My Toddler Perceives

Parenting

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What I Say vs. What My Toddler Hears
by Sarah Thompson
Updated: Aug. 21, 2023

When it comes to communication, it often feels as if toddlers originate from an entirely different universe. I frequently find myself questioning whether my little ones and I are speaking the same language. Spoiler alert: we’re not! In those rare moments of solitude, I contemplate the baffling translations between us—conversations that can resemble a game of charades gone wrong.

To illustrate, consider the following examples:

• What I say: Please pick up your toys.
  What my toddler hears: Let’s unleash the entire bin and create a car racetrack on the floor!
• What I say: Please eat your dinner.
  What my toddler hears: It’s time to drive your broccoli and carrots in circles around the table, then perform a kitty cat impression for four minutes straight.
• What I say: Get dressed.
  What my toddler hears: Silence.
• What I say: Please stop touching that.
  What my toddler hears: Please continue to explore that item as thoroughly as possible.
• What I say: Don’t jump off the stairs.
  What my toddler hears: That was AMAZING! Next time, try a somersault for added flair!
• What I say: Please share with your sister.
  What my toddler hears: Never let her have that toy! It’s your most prized possession!
• What I say: No.
  What my toddler hears: Please ask me a minimum of thirty more times.
• What I say: Please put on your shoes.
  What my toddler hears: Take off your shirt and proudly wear your pants on your head.

It’s almost tempting to escape to another planet, perhaps Venus, where the communication barriers might be just as perplexing, and I would not be shocked to see toddlers with pants on their heads and other outlandish fashion choices. For more insights on parenting through similar challenges, you might find the resources on home insemination kits at Make a Mom useful. They offer a wealth of information on family-building options, including intrauterine insemination, which can be beneficial for those exploring pregnancy routes.

In summary, navigating the communication divide with toddlers can be both amusing and exasperating. Understanding what they perceive versus our intentions may not always align, but it is essential for fostering effective communication and family harmony.