Sometimes we just seem to talk a different language – do you have a ‘Childish’ dictionary?
Children think and speak in a simple, inaccurate version of English, especially when their emotions are high. Once you understand what they are saying, you can respond more appropriately.
Childish | Possible meanings in English |
No. I don’t want to. I won’t do it. You can’t make me. | I’m not sure what you want and I’m too embarrassed to ask. I know what you want but it seems too hard and I feel I may fail. I’m worried or scared about doing it. I really don’t want to do this because I am tired/hungry/ have other things I want to do. |
It’s boring. | It’s difficult and I’m not sure I can do it. I don’t see the point of it. It is not ‘cool’ – my friends may look down on me. I don’t like it. |
It’s not fair. | I don’t like it. Someone else is having something that I feel should be mine. You promised this to me and now you are not keeping your promise. |
You are so mean. | I’m frustrated with you because you are stopping me from doing what I want. I feel that you are winning and I’m losing. |
I hate you. | I’m so furious that I don’t know what to do or say. I feel humiliated. |
I don’t love you any more! You are not my mum! | I am so frustrated, confused and unhappy, and I don’t know what to do or say any more. I need you to love me whatever I do. |