The Secret Wisdom Hidden in Your Child’s Silly Requests
“Can I have a pet dragon?”
“Can we live in a treehouse forever?”
“Can I eat ice cream for breakfast every day?”
These questions might make you laugh, sigh, or shake your head. But before brushing them off as nonsense, pause for a second. What if your child’s silly requests aren’t so silly after all?
Children often use playful exaggeration to express real emotions. They may not know how to say, “I need more attention,” or “I want things to feel fun again.” Instead, they offer you a wish wrapped in whimsy, a secret message hidden in a giggle.
When Nonsense Makes Emotional Sense
Kids live in a world that blurs the lines between real and pretend. To them, asking for a unicorn isn’t about logic, it’s about longing. They might want something magical because they feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or just in need of comfort.
So, when a child makes a silly request, try not to focus on whether it’s possible. Ask instead: What might they be trying to say?
A child who wants a rocket ship might be dreaming of escape. One who asks for a room full of puppies might be craving companionship or affection. A request for a “never-ending weekend” could mean they’re feeling anxious or overstretched.
Silly Is Safe
There’s a reason your child doesn’t come right out and say, “I feel lonely.” That kind of emotional honesty is hard, even for adults. Silly requests give kids a safer way to explore their feelings without being too vulnerable.
It’s a way of asking, “Can I trust you with this part of me?”
When you lean into the silliness with curiosity instead of correction, you build that trust. You’re not just sharing a laugh, you’re opening a door to connection.
How to Respond with Curiosity
Instead of immediately saying “No, that’s silly,” try:
- “Wow, that’s an amazing idea! What would we do in our treehouse life?”
- “A pet dragon? That sounds fun! Would it sleep in your room?”
- “Ice cream for breakfast, what flavor would you pick first?”
These responses invite your child to keep talking. And the more they talk, the more you’ll hear what they’re really feeling.
When a Story Says It All
In Erin Shular’s charming and thoughtful children’s book, I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus, a child wishes for a mom with eight arms, one to cook, one to clean, and several more to hug, play, and read.
At first, it sounds like a funny, over-the-top request. But just like real life, the wish holds truth: the child wants to feel fully seen and supported.
It’s the perfect example of how a child’s silly request isn’t random, it’s emotional. And when we slow down to listen, we begin to understand how big their little feelings really are.
Final Thoughts: Listen Between the Laughs
A silly request might sound like nonsense, but if you listen closely, you’ll find a need, a feeling, or a longing hidden inside it.
These requests are playful invitations to connect. They tell us that our children want more joy, more closeness, more understanding, even if they don’t say it directly.
So next time your child says something wild, don’t rush to shut it down. Smile, ask a follow-up question, and lean into the moment. Because sometimes, the silliest things are the most sincere.
Order your copy of “I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus” by Erin Shular today, and discover how a child’s wildest wish might say exactly what their heart feels.