Mummy's Language Grader

I have not been to my in laws' place much since the birth of the third child. However, the boys still keep to the tradition. One day, while preparing to go there. Jethro asked me, "Mummy, can Heidi go to Ah Ma's place?"

Not wanting to say a straight 'no' and yet not soft-hearted enough to accede to a child's request, I beat around the bush a little: "Very troublesome... will go sometimes... only occasionally..."

Having said that, I went out, thinking I have made my reply understood.

Out of the room, I heard Jethro said in all innocence, "Daddy, Mummy said 'Can'!"