One afternoon, my son’s teacher pulled me aside with a serious concern: he had told her I make him sleep outside when he misbehaves. My heart sank. At home, I gently asked him about it, and he proudly said, “You make me sleep under the stars!” It hit me—he was talking about our playful backyard camping nights, not punishment.
This moment reminded me how easily children’s words can be misunderstood. They speak through imagination and emotion, while adults filter everything through logic and caution. Listening carefully, asking questions, and understanding context is crucial.
I cleared things up with his teacher the next day, and the relief was mutual. Since then, I’ve focused on truly listening to my son—he chooses where he wants to “dream” at bedtime, and I respond to his imagination rather than just facts.
This experience taught me that communication with children isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection, patience, and empathy. When we listen with care, kids feel seen, safe, and understood. Often, that’s all they really need.