We Truly Are Our Children's Examples

The other morning, Bill and I got into a bit of a "discussion" when he was driving me and Kai to school. At the end of our discussion, Kai commented, "Mommy Daddy cranky talking." Bill explained how we weren't cranky and that, in fact, Mommy and Daddy sometimes need to talk things out to avoid being cranky with one another. Kai listened and went, "Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Okay." while his father was explaining the situation. After Bill finished his explanations, Kai concluded, "No Mommy Daddy talk cranky more."

When does one use "Mm-hmm" (with rising intonation)?
- to show that you're paying attention
- to indicate that you understand what is being said
- to fake the preceding 2 reasons

How does our 26-month-old know how to use "Mm-hmm"?

I've been wrecking my brains trying to recall if Bill or I do it and, if so, when or how often we do it. I haven't been able to figure it out because a social conduct like the Mm-hmm is so natural and therefore unnoticeable that users are often unaware. Here's a sobering fact though: As parents, everything we say and do is being quietly observed and absorbed (and obviously it goes beyond habitual use of expressions). And then out of nowhere, you're confronted with who and what you are in the form of your child (In Your Face, Parents!!)

Well, Bill and I are somewhat aware of what we do and say around Kai, but we also know that there's no hiding who we are and that Kai is bound to pick up some bad habits from us.

Let's hope that when the day comes to explain to Kai why he has to stop doing or saying what he sees one of his parents does or says, he will also be saying, "Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Okay."