Sometimes a Toddler is Hard to Understand

My son and I would embark on a shopping journey one day when he was just three years old. The Bon Ton was having a huge sale that I just couldn't miss.

We started our path to the boy's clothing section. I knew by starting in his section I would be able to browse the adult sections with more peace.

Halfway between the door and the toddler section a larger woman walked by us. She was moving rather quickly. I remember thinking she was using the hardwood floor track that was throughout the store as a speed walking path.

I was pushing my son's stroller, and he was sitting upright. He pointed at the lady a yells at the top of his lungs, 'Mom, that lady is really fat!' I was not only mortified, but also speechless. I am a large woman and my son has never spoken like this about anyone.

The lady turned around and looked right at my son. She said, 'Yeah, what is it to you?' but with a more colorful term mid-sentence.

I tried to explain to the lady that I am sure he didn't mean it. As if she couldn't tell, I told her he is only a child and I asked her forgiveness. The conversation did not go very well.

We exited the store rapidly after that. When we were safe in the car I asked my son why he would say such a thing. I wasn't trying to be mean to him but I wanted him to know that kind of talk is not tolerated.

My son replied, 'she goes fast'.

'What does that have to do with you saying that lady is fat?' I said.

My son asked, 'What is fat?'

It was at the exact moment I realized that my son was saying that the lady was FAST, not FAT.