Motherhood

Toddler Language: What to Do When You Can’t Understand Them

24 May Mikki 2 Comments

Toddlers are so adorable when they are babbling. That is, until they are trying to tell you something and you have absolutely no idea what they are trying to tell you. Take it from someone who speaks toddler language, there are four strategies that I use when I can’t understand what a toddler is saying. (Now, if your toddler just won’t stop asking you “Why?” then read here.)

What should you do when you can't understand what a toddler is trying to tell you? Here are four things to do when you can't understand toddler language. quirkyandthenerd.com

 

Get Some Fresh Ears

If things aren’t spectacularly crazy in the toddler room, I will call over the other teacher in the room to listen to the child and see if she can decipher the message. Sometimes it just takes a fresh set of ears to listen to what the child is saying to get some new ideas.

Ask If They Can Show You

This one is simple: I just ask the toddler if they can show me what they are talking about. Sometimes, they are able to point to something or someone in the room. It doesn’t always clear it all up, but it might give me just enough context to figure out what they are trying to say.

Go Ahead and Make a Guess

It is okay to guess. When I am trying to guess what they are saying, I make sure to get down on their level so I can show I am being respectful and really trying to understand them. If a child is saying “wa,” they could mean they want to drink water or it could mean they want to wash their hands. Make a guess. If it is wrong, then guess again.

Let Them Know You Are Sincere

If it is taking a long time, a toddler will probably start getting frustrated. Wouldn’t you? The best thing you can say at that point is “I’m trying.” And you need to mean it. Let them know you want to know what they have to say and that you care about the conversation. It won’t take care of all of the frustration, but at least you are both in it together.

What do you do when you can’t understand your toddler?

2 COMMENTS

  1. My Toddler Asks Why All the Time! What Do I Do? - Quirky and the Nerd | 31st May 16

    […] when toddlers finally start to talk and you can have conversations with them? (Although sometimes you can’t understand them.) They say cute things and are excited to converse with you. But then comes the dreaded phase: your […]

  2. Erica | 23rd Oct 16

    Piggybacking on “Show me,” I will grab their hand and take a step or two when I ask him to “show me” so he can take me to whatever he’s talking about. Sometimes it works.

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