There’s a lot involved in raising children. We are responsible for teaching them social skills, personal hygiene, ABCs, colours, what not to lick and that you should not vacuum your brother. I thought we were doing a pretty good job getting all the basics covered with our fourth son, but somehow we’ve dropped the ball with communication.
No matter how we explain it, how often we repeat it, how we model its use in correct context, Little does not seem to know what “I’m hungry” means.
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Little, please put your cars away.
No, I hungry.
We’re not having gum right now.
But I hungry.
Please leave your bib on.
I hungry.
You can watch a show later.
Please?! I hungry.
Don’t sit on your brother.
I hungry. Please.
We’re all done drinking pop.
But I hungry.
Do you need to use the potty?
I hungry.
We can do play doh in a minute.
But I hungry.
You can go get your own water bottle. It’s upstairs.
I huuuungry.
This is Mommy’s coffee. Hot. No touch.
I so hungry.
——–
We’re at the point now where I’m going to give up and just hope for the best. Maybe he’s on to something. This might be a genius tactic for getting out of undesirable things. Actually, I think I might try it.
Mommy, someone peed on the floor.
Sorry, I hungry.
Tough Bananas 
I might try that too! It sounds very effective in regard to not having to answer or be social if you don’t want to lol!
Let me know how that works out.
😉 Will do!
Our kids always had a tough time knowing how to complain about the temperature, “I’m hot” and “I’m cold” meant the same thing to them.
What if “I’m hungry” is short for “I’m hungry for the thrill of life, and playing these cars is giving me that. Don’t crush my desire. Don’t make me fast from intellectual stimulation. Let me feast upon this creative smorgasbord of fantasy I have created.”?
I cannot argue with that.
Pfft. He’s advanced. My 2-yr-old just screams. Only after much drama will he use words.
Also, nice response to Bryan.
Also, to yourself. AGAIN.
I WAS ON MY PHONE.
Technology is hard.
Great post! Very funny, and true. Check out my childcare blog for some useful tips!
I think your son is onto something! You find a saying that works, and you stick with it. This could have multiple applications.
I just hope he uses his powers for good.
“Don’t sit on your brother.” Ha! This was hilarious and relatable. I tell my kids they have a Teflon coating for the things I say that don’t jibe with their agendas.
I like that.