Dad Wishes Toddler Would Parrot All The Smart Stuff He Says Too

TRACEY BENDINGER | Society | Contact

Swear words could be heard coming from the Guy Family living room after someone tripped over a vacuum cleaner that was not put away. The phrase “fucken thing” was used, only it was not said by parents Mitch or Arabella, but by their perceptive toddler, Jack.

From where they sat at the kitchen table, it’s believed Mitch and Arabella tried to stifle a laugh at the uncanny resemblance between Jack’s reaction and Mitch’s.

Speaking with The Advocate, Mitch admitted that while he did find it funny, he wishes that his son would repeat some of the other smart stuff he said too.

“I’m out here reciting facts about space, fish, tractors and every Melbourne Cup winner for the past 30 years, yet the only thing this little parrot retains are the swear words. See, watch this.” he said, turning to his son.

“Jacko, what planet is next to Earth?”

“Fucked if I know” Jack responded before getting back to his digger game.

The parroting done by toddlers is known as echolalia and it’s a normal and important part of language development that helps kids learn how and when to use certain words. So, while it can be a bit awkward hearing a child swear, rather than scold them, if they use the words correctly perhaps we should be praising them.

More to come.