by Becky Vieira posted in Parenting

The list of skills on my mom resume grows more robust with each passing month. 
I can drive a car during a toddler tantrum for approximately 5.7 miles before I get a headache. Clean up my son?s dinner from the kitchen floor with one hand while I use the other to wipe his face.
I can also understand exactly what my child is trying to say. Even though it may sound like nonsensical babble to the untrained ear. I?m a licensed and certified (in my mind) toddler interpreter.
All this begs one very important question: Can I list any of these talents on my LinkedIn profile"
I didn?t even know the role of toddler interpreter existed until a few months ago. When my son initially began talking his words were clear. Mama. Dada. Ball. Everyone who heard him understood what he was saying. As he began using two word phrases the waters got a little murky. Nothing that was beyond comprehension. ?Hep peas? was ?help, please.? ?Dan eww? is how he said ?thank you.? ?Maw wa wa? meant ?more water.?
Once his language skills developed beyond that, things got complicated. My husband and I usually know what he means or is trying to say. No one else does. That?s where the role of toddler interpreter comes in handy.

It?s not just that some of his words come out a bit muddled. He also calls things by different names, or has his own secret codes for things. If my husband or I aren?t around to translate what he?s actually trying to say things can turn from fun...