Children’s Language: A Window to Their Soul and Needs
Today, I begin a series on understanding Tieri’s heart and needs through his words.
Children may not always have the vocabulary to express their emotions, but they are always communicating. Their language, both verbal and non-verbal, is a window into their soul and their needs. This series explores the earliest words and expressions my son used and what they revealed about his emotional and developmental journey.
Among his first and most significant phrases were:
“Carry me.”
“Come with me.”
At first, they seemed like simple requests, but over time, I realized they carried deeper meaning, revealing his need for connection, security, and companionship.
“Carry Me”: A Call for Security and Affection
“Carry me” was one of the earliest phrases my son learned to say. Initially, I assumed he just wanted to be lifted, but I soon realized it was much more than that.
When he says, “Carry me,” he is expressing:
A need for closeness and warmth
A longing for emotional security
A desire to feel safe and reassured
Children, especially in their early years, do not outgrow the need for physical affection. There is no such thing as too many hugs or too much warmth in their world. Even after being held and comforted, he would still reach out and say, “Carry me.”
Why? Because connection isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuous need.
A child who confidently asks for affection is one who feels secure in their relationship with their parent. When we respond, we reinforce their trust and emotional well-being.
“Come with Me”: An Invitation to Presence and Bonding
Another of his earliest and most repeated phrases was, “Come with me.”
At first, I assumed he needed guidance. But then, I realized:
It wasn’t about fear—it was about companionship.
Even when he knew exactly where something was, he still wanted me to walk with him. The journey mattered just as much as the destination.
When a child says, “Come with me,” they are not just asking for assistance. They are expressing:
A need for shared experiences
A desire for connection beyond words
A longing for the presence of someone they trust
Children don’t just need instructions, they need relationships. They don’t just want to be told what to do; they want to walk the path with someone they love.
The Lesson: Are We Truly Listening?
Children rarely leave us clueless about what they need. Their earliest words are not just communication, they are instructions for us as parents.
A child who says, “Carry me,” is really saying, “I need your comfort.”
A child who says, “Come with me,” is really saying, “I want to share this moment with you.”
The question is: Are we paying attention?
Parenting is not just about teaching independence or enforcing discipline about understanding the unspoken messages children send us every day.
This is just the first part of a series on understanding children’s expressions. In the next installment, I will explore another set of words that shaped my understanding of my son’s needs.
Until then, I encourage us to listen carefully to our precious children’s earliest words, because in them, we will find a map to their developmental and emotional world.
Do have an INSPIRED week ahead with the family.
First published on the Power Parenting Exchange® Facebook Page on February 24th, 2025
