Description: A simple misunderstanding with my 3-year-old illustrates how easily communication can go awry. This blog explores the importance of clear communication in avoiding conflicts and fostering better connections, using a relatable family anecdote to highlight the lesson.

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“Here you go bud, dinner.”

I put the blue plastic plate of grilled chicken, cut into bite sized pieces, with a side of tomatoes on the table and sit down with my own plate.

My 3-year-old turns off the TV, hops off the couch, runs into the dining room and climbs onto his chair. But as soon as he looks down at his plate, his face wrinkles.

He doesn’t look upset. He looks confused.

“Daddy, where’s my airplane chicken?’

My wife walks in at that moment.

“Airplane chicken?” she asks, looking to me for clarification.

“I have no idea,” I tell her. “Milo, what do you mean ‘airplane chicken?'”

“I want airplane chicken!”

My mind is racing to figure it out before a toddler tantrum emerges. As all parents know, it’s a ticking clock.

“You mean the chicken tenders we got at the airport?”

“No, I want airplane chicken!”

My wife is looking at me in desperation as his passion and volume increase.

“I don’t know!” I tell her. “I told him he could watch some TV while I was cooking, and that I was making chicken, but that I wouldn’t put any sauces on his because I know he doesn’t like it. I told him I would just cook him some plain chicken. And then-“

I stopped. There it was.

I promised my 3-year-old “plain chicken,” and he took me at my word.

The Pitfalls of Misunderstanding

It’s so easy to feel disconnected or even disagree with someone due to a simple misunderstanding.

In our fast-paced lives, we often assume that others understand our words and intentions perfectly. But as my “plain chicken” incident shows, even the most straightforward communication can go awry. Milo’s interpretation of “plain chicken” as “airplane chicken” wasn’t a stubborn toddler being difficult; it was a genuine misunderstanding.

Misunderstandings like these happen all the time in our personal and professional lives. They can lead to frustration, conflict, and a sense of disconnection. But recognizing that these moments are often just miscommunications can help us approach them with more patience and empathy.

Next time you find yourself at odds with someone, pause and consider: Could this be a “plain chicken” moment?

Are you both speaking the same language, or has something been lost in translation? A little clarification can go a long way in bridging the gap and fostering true connection.

By taking the time to ensure we understand and are understood, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and build stronger, more connected relationships.

So, next time you promise “plain chicken,” make sure everyone is on the same page—or you might find yourself in a predicament worthy of a toddler tantrum.

Side note: Moms always know what to do

“Milo, pick up a piece of chicken and zoom it around like an airplane!”

A big smile emerged as he gleefully played with his food. Tantrum-averted.

Although I cannot recommend this technique next time you disagree with your boss.