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My friend then told her that it was better that, if she had any comments or questions about other people, to take it up when the two were alone.
A few days later they were sitting on a bus and in walks a very obese woman. Maya eyed the woman suspiciously and then pointed at her:
"Mum. We're going to talk about her later".
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This collection of witty phrases, children's reactions, and totally unexpected comebacks was inspired by a long-running thread on AskReddit, where the topic starter addressed netizens: "As a dad, I've learned nothing good starts with 'Guess what your son said.' So, what are some funny things you've heard kids say?"
Let's start with what one wise movie director once said: "Kids and animals cannot be outdone in the frame, because they don't actually act, they just live in the frame." Our topic today isn't related to movies, but this phrase explains well why young children are sometimes prone to roasting adults with a single phrase, and even causing utter embarrassment.
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After I told him that I was proud of him for listening, I asked him what he was building. He told me he was building an ultimate Lego weapon so that he could destroy me.
I think he may have missed the point, but at least he's persistent.
The point is that children - especially young children - are still completely spontaneous in their communication. Their brains haven't yet acquired the numerous social filters that are automatically activated in adults.
They often call things by their proper names, without excessive politeness or euphemisms. And sometimes, you'll perhaps agree, they can even be cruel in their brutal honesty.
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Edit: Breaks = Brakes.
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Interestingly, such phrases, assessments, and reactions from little kids are not a social blunder at all, but a normal part of learning about the world. This dedicated article, published on the University of Washington News website, rightly notes that children are excellent at recognizing and "reading" adults' reactions, so they learn from their reactions to their own words.
No, if you've been told something unflattering, and the person you're talking to is only a couple of years old, don't be offended or react aggressively. A kid is acutely aware of the emotions their words evoke in you and will likely remember them, unconsciously trying to learn a life lesson from this experience.
Incidentally, such skills are observed in children as early as 24 months, as noted in this article at the American Psychological Association. Their social understanding is still developing, and their control over speech and awareness of the appropriateness of their words are still weak. But they learn quickly and can avoid repeating their mistakes.
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"Well when *my* Mom and Dad practice wrestling I get to eat a whole bowl of ice cream and watch whatever movie I want!!!"
That was a fun one!
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I fell on the ground crying from laughter, one of the funniest things I ever heard.
On the other hand, the ancient sages who said that truth comes from the mouth of a baby were not far from the truth. For example, the authors of this article at The Conversation point out that children are often keenly aware of adults' limitations, so dialogue with a kid, provided the adult responds appropriately, can be incredibly beneficial for them.
Indeed, who better than a toddler can honestly, without any lies or flattery, point out all our shortcomings? After all, Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale rightly points out that it was the little boy who loudly declared that the king was actually naked, and not wearing incredibly lavish "invisible clothing," as all the courtiers had told him...
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Edit: Forgot this; my wife was in the elevator with my son at work once, and a Sikh with a thick beard got on. My son pointed at him and said "wolfman.".
You know, my youngest son turned five today, and he's often told me honest things that no one else would say – not even older children, who have already absorbed all sorts of social norms. So I view my interactions with him as a mirror – honest, cheerful, and truthful. And I do encourage you all to do the same.
But not before you've read these several dozen stories, and perhaps shared your own similar experiences and children's witty, wise, and honest comments below this post.
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