6 Common Phrases Adults Say That Kids Take Too Literally
Adults often think they’re offering wisdom, but sometimes, their words can be a source of confusion and hilarity for young minds. Children, in their innocent and literal approach to the world, take everything at face value, turning ordinary phrases into opportunities for wild imagination, fear, or misunderstanding.
“You Can Be Anything When You Grow Up”
This is the classic motivational phrase that inspires children to dream big. However, for a child, this statement is taken at face value. “Anything” means anything—so why not a dragon, a superhero, or even a professional chocolate taster? Children don’t yet grasp the complexities of adulthood, so when they hear this, they may start envisioning a future where they can be anything with no limitations.
“Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees”
A common phrase used to teach children the value of money, yet for kids, this one doesn’t always make sense. If money doesn’t grow on trees, and paper comes from trees, doesn’t that mean money must grow somewhere?
“Stay Away from Strangers”
A well-meaning safety precaution often leaves children confused. While adults want to protect kids by teaching them not to talk to strangers, children take this instruction literally, interpreting it as “everyone outside of your family is a threat.”
“Be Nice”
A phrase meant to encourage kindness and discourage conflict often backfires with kids. While adults use “be nice” to teach good manners, children take it as a directive always to be nice, even when someone is mean to them. This can lead to problematic behavior, such as people-pleasing or tolerating bullying.
“Don’t Make That Face or It’ll Get Stuck”
A playful warning from adults often leads to anxiety in kids. The idea that a facial expression could get “stuck” forever is both terrifying and illogical to a child. Imagine a kid making a silly face and hearing this phrase. To them, it’s not just a playful remark; it’s a dire warning that they could be forever stuck with an embarrassing look.
“We’ll See”
The phrase “we’ll see” is often used by parents to delay a decision without committing to a yes or no. However, to a child, “we’ll see” is taken as a hopeful “yes.” They begin to imagine the exciting possibilities of a promised trip, a new toy, or a special treat. When the event finally arrives, and the promise doesn’t come through, the child feels let down.
Conclusion: The Power of Words
The words we use can have a profound impact on children, especially when their language understanding is still developing. While adults often use these phrases with the best intentions, they can lead to confusion or anxiety when taken literally.
