We are at the dining table. I take out the croissant from the bag and place it on a plate in front of Vian. Vian: Appa, what kind of “cossant” is it? Me: It’s a plain croissant, Vian. Vian: No. It’s a bum-bum “cossant”. Me: Huh? Vian: Look it (pointing to his misshapen croissant that looks like a butt). You win this round, Vian.
I sometimes share clean adult jokes that are too clever for a 2 year old to grasp. Sometimes it is fun to see the confused look on his face when he sees me cracking up on my own jokes. Yes, I laugh at my own jokes, moving on. We’re hanging out at a coffee shop and I start with the setup for a great joke. Me: Vian, did you know that humans eat more bananas than monkeys?...
This happened a few weeks ago. The kids are having a funtime playing with their mom. I enter the room, which usually sets off the anxiety for Vian. Vian: I don’t need you, appa. Yoshi: That’s not very nice. Vian: Go away, appa. Yoshi: Can you say something nice to appa? Vian: Appa, can you pleeease go away? Me: Thank you! That’s much better.
One of the ways we trained Sempi to say “Please” and “Thank you” is by asking him “What do you say?” after he receives a favor from someone. With that context in mind, this conversation happened in the car. Vian: Can I have that monster truck, Sempi? Sempi: Here you go. Vian takes the truck. Sempi being the responsible older brother wants to teach Vian good manners. Sempi: What do you say, Vian?...
Vian is having lunch. I’m still making a plate for myself. He requests some water, so brought him a cup of water. Vian: Appa, this is too watery. Me: I’m glad to hear that Vian. The water is supposed to be watery. Vian: No appa, I can’t drink it. Me: Why not? Vian: Because it is too watery. I walked over to him to check it out. He was complaining because I filled the water to the brim and he couldn’t drink out of it....