Sarcastic Much?

I'm going to be honest with you. I tend to use sarcasm as a second language. I've done it for many years, and I allow it to slip out from time to time. During my first year teaching, I was reprimanded by my principal for using it on our students. She explained that children do not understand sarcasm, and could possibly see it as mean. So, for years I held my tongue around children to be sure I didn't hurt anyone's feelings.

Then I had the bright idea to have children of my own. I tend to bite my tongue a lot or mumble sarcastic remarks to questions asked... until the other day. My daughter asked me a question about four times within thirty minutes. The thing about this threenager (which probably stands for a lot of threenagers), she likes to ask questions she already knows the answer to. By the fourth time, my answer came out as "Duuuhh".

She got quiet and I could just see the wheels turning in her little head (metaphorically speaking, that is).

Kenz: Mommy, what does that mean?

Me: It's a form of sarcasm (still being sarcastic).

Again, the wheels are turning in her head.

Kenz: What does that mean?

How do you explain sarcasm to a toddler? I mean, the very definition of it is the use of irony to mock or convey contempt. Then I thought about whether that was something I wanted her to take on. Let's be honest. Our children are just mini-me's, who imitate what they see and hear daily. Although, sarcasm seems like a harmless thing when we're using it, it may not feel so good at the receiving end; and I could just see my daughter using this tactic against me once she grasp the concept. Trust me when I tell you she's a quick learner.

I was discussing this with a friend who brought up a valid point that what our children learn they take into their relationships and friendships. I know... I'm probably making this deeper than what it really is. Sarcasm is used many of times by so many of us, and could possibly be seen as a form of humor. But think about it for a minute. Do we want to raise children that will mock, scorn, or ridicule others easily? It may seem little, but little things tend to grow into large boulders. A micro sperm fertilized an egg, and created a human being that will forever change our lives. Little becomes much, and maybe that goes for sarcasm.