Win-oh, UP! Win-oh, down.

How many of you have toddlers? Surely this situation will look familiar to you-

Laying in bed-
Bug (2y)- Fix-a covers?
Me- *fixes his covers*
Bug- Covers off.
Me- *removes his covers*
Bug- Hahaha! Fix-a covers?
Me- *fixes his covers*
Bug- Hahaha! Covers off.

Or maybe this one driving in the car-
Bug- Win-oh down.
Me- *rolls his window down*
Bug- Hahaha! Win-oh up!
Me- *rolls his window up*
Bug- Hahahaha! Win-oh down.
Me- *rolls his window down*
Bug- Hahaha! Win-oh up!

And every now and then he'll throw me a curve ball, like saying "Win-oh up" when the window is already up.

This is not maniacal laughter, my friends, though I know it is easy to think so. And your child is not trying to drive you crazy, though I know it is easy to feel that way too.

This is learning. Learning language. Giggling joyfully at the realization that their words have power. These are budding communication skills. They are looking to you to learn what appropriate back-and-forth behavior is while communicating.

Do you respond the first time they say something to you? Do you let out an exasperated sigh? Do you ignore them? Do you engage in pleasant conversation? Do you respond in frustration? Do you raise your voice? Are you happy to fulfill their request when able? Do you empathize with them if you are not?

Whatever your response, be prepared for them to mimic your behavior to you and others in their future interactions. Choose wisely. These are the moments when future communication frustrations can be made, or avoided.