I'm very sarcastic and DH has had to stop me a few times in the last week to remind me B is 3 (like I didn't know this).
Are you sarcastic with your kids? Does it maybe come off as sounding nasty?
For example, we were going to my neighbors bday party, she knows them by name, she knew we were going to them, she knows their house is attached to ours and asks if we're walking or driving...umm, yeah B, we're driving next door. DH yelled at me. Was that mean?
ETA: BTW, she responded with "nooooo, they live right here mommy"
Re: Is sarcasm not ok with 3 yo?
Alex (11/14/06) and Nate (5/25/10)
"Want what you have, do what you can, be who you are." - Rev. Forrest Church
I think the problem with sarcasm is that a lot of times it comes across like you're saying "what are you stupid or something?". I'm kind of with your DH on this one but I think it depends on the situation and what you say. The fact that she's 3 may mean she didn't really get it but an older kid might get their feelings hurt.
you girls are right.
I'd never want to make her feel that way. ugh.
Ok, something else to work on.
I'm still bad with it, too. I should be more conscious of it.
Alex (11/14/06) and Nate (5/25/10)
"Want what you have, do what you can, be who you are." - Rev. Forrest Church
They just don't get it - they take what is said seriously and literally. So it could be really confusing. I have to remind FIL of this a lot. He'll be all "my heart is breaking I can't take it anymore oh my little Sammy I won't see you for forever" (we see him 1-2x a week, he's a bit dramatic).
The next day Sam asked if grandpa was ok because his heart is broken and he needs a doctor. That happens a lot with him LOL
So, not bad really, but they just don't really get it yet.
see that's how I am too and I want her to "get it" and she mostly does. But I guess sometimes it may come off more nasty then I'd like. I don't want to be like that, as if I'm talking down to her.
Okay, for example, the other day MIL and FIL were watching the kids. FIL says he's going to run to lowes. E says "better not, papaw, the bags will be too heavy to carry on the way home!" And it was in a total joking manner. He knew FIL wouldn't run, and he was just being silly. If I say I'm going to jump in the shower, Ethan will tell me to be careful not to bump my head. But he's kidding, and knows I'm kidding, too.
yeah, B isn't that literral and is more like E.
GHM to me that is not sarcasm..that is joking around. Kids do not tend to grasp true sarcasm until about 7 years old typically.
Liam is 5!
Just so that we are all on the same page..I agree with dictionary.com description
Natalie: Hey mom I just hopped around the family room on one foot
me: Wow that's great natalie
Natalie: Yes, I am the best hopper on one footer in the world
me: Yes Natalie you are the BIG WINNER..NOBODY in the entire world hops around on one foot better than you. Congratulations. **said not in a nice way but with a bitchy tone.**
I think a lot depends on tone. In your case, I'd say B "got it" based on her response, so it doesn't sound like a problem to me. I've had similar conversations with A, and she is actually pretty happy to correct me and tell me how things really are.
I don't know if that counts as true sarcasm though. A lot of times sarcasm can come across as being mean instead of just being playful.
Now as far as understanding non-literal phrases, I'd say a 3yo is too young. I've told A to go jump on Daddy to wake him up. I found her standing on our bed all ready to jump right on top of him.
Charlotte Ella 07.16.10
Emmeline Grace 03.27.13
ditto.