5 Things Your Toddler PRETENDS You’re Saying

Communicating with toddlers is pretty close to navigating a field of land mines. One wrong step and your kid is writhing on the floor in an epic tantrum while you try to figure out how to get yourself out of the situation.

It can be helpful to understand what you're really saying to them. Sometimes we think we're being very clear, we think it's obvious what we mean… then somehow they totally misinterpret us.

Babble has put together a helpful list of the most commonly misinterpreted actions and phrases to help you navigate the treacherous toddler years.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. A closed door is obviously an invitation. (Special note: if wiggling the fingers under the door does not magically open it, go to another part of the house and scream as if in pain. Voila — door open!)

2. The louder the voice mommy uses, the less important the information is. Tune her out.

3. The words “bed time” mean you are hungry/thirsty/hyper. (Don’t forget you have to go potty a few times! Wouldn’t want any accidents!!!)

4. The word “no” really means that your mommy just wants you to show how much you really want it. Proceed with crying, stomping, pleading — especially if you are in public.

5. After an entire day of fighting, whining, and/or crying, the words “nap time” actually mean, “Let’s all play sweetly together to lull mommy into a false sense of security.”

If you've got toddlers, I'm willing to bet they've done this stuff to you before. Wiggling fingers under the bathroom door has become standard practice at our house. I think part of being a mom is accepting that you'll never be able to go to the bathroom along again.

The really annoying one is the bed time thing. It drives my husband crazy! How many sippy cups can he possibly wolf down in the few minutes before we tuck him into bed? I'm pretty sure he gets bonus points for needing to rush to the potty as soon as we get him tucked in. This is why all parents seem a little bit crazy.

Need to learn more? Check out the complete list of things kids misinterpret at Babble for a good laugh.