When Kids Say Embarrassing Things

Lately, our three-year-old has been going up to people and asking, “How old are you?” He particularly likes doing this with grandmotherly older ladies.

The first few times he did it I cringed with embarrassment. Then it occurred to me, it makes total sense that he would ask this, because people are always asking him how old he is. Thankfully, everyone so far has responded graciously. I think people understand that he is a toddler, and that he is still learning so much about the world around him. I hope his curiosity will continue to be met with grace.

As David develops more and more, I am learning I cannot control everything he says. This is to be expected, but how do you respond? I’m still figuring that one out. I try to take the opportunity right away to talk with him and teach him. Sometimes his questions are met with laughter – so I am learning to laugh, too. I know it could be worse, but I’ll be honest, it’s very easy for me just to be embarrassed – and that’s something I have to work through.

We were at the grocery store the other day and David said to the cashier, “My name is David, what’s your name?”

The cashier, with a smile, told him her name.

“Nice to meet you,” he said.

“Nice to meet you,” she responded.

Then David pointed at the bagger and asked, “What’s that?”

Ouch. From smiles at his cuteness and pride in his politeness, to “what’s that?” Thankfully, the bagger had a sense of humor and we were all able to laugh it off. 

Recently we were at a thrift store browsing. A woman walked in, also browsing nearby. “Hi lady!” David shouted. My face reddened as I murmured, “Oh David,” but she smiled at his three-year-old cuteness and responded, “Hi there!” Once again I was thankful she was able to carry it off with such grace. 

There are other situations. When he sees a boy with long hair and asks who “she” is. The other day when we saw a man with an eye patch, and David cried out, “He’s a pirate!” Singing loudly in the store, I ask him to be a little quieter because we don’t want to disturb people. And he responds, “but I want to disturb people.” Taking a teachable moment to talk about being courteous to others, while furtively looking around to see if anyone heard this exchange…

Parenting a toddler is a constant learning curve. Watching him grow, develop, and absorb so much is amazing. Having the opportunity to love him and teach him is a privilege. It is very humbling to realize there are things outside of my control. I know I am not alone. I know many of you are going through the season of toddlerhood and experiencing many of the same emotions. It is helpful to know that.

Children have no filters when it comes to what they say, and that can be both amusing and embarrassing – and sometimes, enlightening. It is a journey with many ups and downs. It seems like whenever I think I’m getting the hang of it, there comes another curveball. But I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow in the midst of it.