by When a toddler asks for ‘Nanna’, you might think they are talking about a toy. But the text exchange of a father with mother proves that the decoding of toddler speaking is an upbringing skills at the next level.
A viral text interview that is posted by @Amberlieh records a hilarious parenting moment while a mother translates her toddler boxes her toddler’s cryptic language – while daddy, like so many, remains completely confused. The screenshots show a series of texts in which Mama deciphers the strange specific (and surprising relatible) requests of her child:
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“I think he is where Horn is going.” – Translation: he looks at Monster Trucks.
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“What is 1 2 3 4 if I ask him what he wants to view?” – Translation: Toy storyBut he can’t decide which one.
“What does Nanna mean?” – Translation: bananentoast (specific ritz crackers with peanut butter and slices of bananas). But not alone each Bananentoast – The kind where the toddler first eats the banana slices and demands a refresh of the same crackers.
If that sounds creepy, you are not the only one. Every parent knows the mental gymnastics needed to anticipate, interpret and perform to toddler requests – sometimes before the toddler even realizes what they want.
The science of understanding toddler speaking
Believe it or not, there is a reason why parents are often the only ones who can decode the unique way of speaking of their toddler.
Your brain adapts to your child’s speech: Research suggests that parents instinctively refine their understanding of their child’s speech patterns through repeated interaction. Even when words sound nonsensical for outsiders, healthcare providers unconsciously build a mental map of what different sentences mean.
Early understanding starts before they even talk: Studies show that babies start to understand words as young as six months, even if they can’t say them yet. This early recognition helps parents to anticipate what their child is trying to communicate, even when the words are not fully formed.
The more you are concerned, the stronger the connection: Language experts emphasize that talking, reading and responding to Poddlers attempts to communication strengthen their ability to learn and speak. The more an older interaction has, the better they become to translate the unique sentences of their child.
Related: Toddler mimes Mom’s vocabulary in hilarious Tiktok – and it is a master class in language development
Parents nod in accordance
The commentary was flooded with parents who could fully relate:
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@Keeofalltradez: “Renew the banana is classic toddler hack lol “
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@Nadamanleystyle: “Oh my God, I translated from my younger daughter until she was five. I was literally the only one who understood her. ‘
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@Laurenhbauler: “In my house the sun is called ‘the hot’, because when I pointed to the sun, I said it was hot. “
The ultimate parenting skills
Let’s really be: parents already wear a million hats – chef, driver, nurse, therapist and personal assistant. Now we can officially add toddler translator To the list.
Because if you ever instinctively know that ‘Nanna meant’ bananentoast, congratulations: you are officially fluent ‘parent’.
Related: Babies Virale ‘Monster Growl’ teaches us how play language skills build
