Mom shares hilarious texts from dad struggling to decode toddler-speak
When a toddler asks for “nanna toe,” you might think they’re talking about a toy. But one dad’s text exchange with mom proves that decoding toddler-speak is a next-level parenting skill.
A viral text conversation reel posted by @amberlieh captures a hilarious parenting moment as a mom expertly translates her toddler’s cryptic language—while dad, like so many, is left completely confused. The screenshots show a series of texts where mom deciphers her child’s oddly specific (and surprisingly relatable) requests:
“I thinks he’s where horn go.” — Translation: He’s watching monster trucks.
“What’s 1 2 3 4 when I ask him what he wants to watch?” — Translation: Toy Story, but he can’t decide which one.
“What’s nanna toe mean?” — Translation: Banana toast (specifically Ritz crackers with peanut butter and banana slices). But not just any banana toast—the kind where the toddler eats the banana slices off first and demands a refresh of the same crackers.
If that sounds eerily familiar, you’re not alone. Every parent knows the mental gymnastics required to anticipate, interpret, and act on toddler requests—sometimes before the toddler even realizes what they want.
The science of understanding toddler-speak
Believe it or not, there’s a reason why parents are often the only ones who can decode their toddler’s unique way of speaking.
Your Brain Adapts to Your Child’s Speech: Research suggests that parents instinctively fine-tune their understanding of their child’s speech patterns through repeated interaction. Even when words sound nonsensical to outsiders, caregivers unconsciously build a mental map of what different phrases mean.
Early Comprehension Starts Before They Even Talk: Studies show that babies as young as six months start understanding words, even if they can’t say them yet. This early recognition helps parents anticipate what their child is trying to communicate, even when the words aren’t fully formed.
The More You Engage, the Stronger the Connection: Language experts emphasize that talking, reading, and responding to toddlers’ attempts at communication strengthens their ability to learn and speak. The more a parent interacts, the better they get at translating their child’s unique phrases.
Related: Toddler mimics mom’s vocabulary in hilarious TikTok—and it’s a masterclass in language development
Parents are nodding in agreement
The comment section was flooded with parents who could totally relate:
@keeofalltradez: “Refresh the banana is CLASSIC TODDLER HACK lol”
@nadamanleystyle: “Oh my goodness, I translated from my younger daughter until she was five. I was literally the only one who understood her.”
@laurenhbauler: “In my house the sun is called ‘the hot’ because when I pointed to the sun, I said it was hot.”
The ultimate parenting skill
Let’s be real: Parents already wear a million hats—chef, chauffeur, nurse, therapist, and personal assistant. Now we can officially add toddler translator to the list.
Because if you’ve ever instinctively known that ‘nanna toe’ meant banana toast, congratulations: You’re officially fluent in ‘Parent.’
Related: Baby’s viral ‘monster growl’ teaches us how play builds language skills
