In the car with my 5YO daughter this afternoon.....
Daughter: "Dad, why do you always say "Um hum" when I tell you something?"
Me: "Well, that's my way of letting you know that I heard what you said."
Daughter: "You could say something else every once in a while."
Me: "You're right. I definitely could say something else sometimes. Sorry, it's a bad habit."
Daughter: "Dad, you don't need to apologize. I'm not angry with you. I just think that you could say something else. I mean, I know you have a brain, right? So, why don't you use it and think of something else to say?"
Me: "Got it. I totally agree with you. Thank you for telling me this."
Daughter: "No problem. I love you, Dad."
Two minutes later.....
Daughter: "Dad, how long until we will be home."
Me: "Almost there. Like two minutes."
Daughter: "Um hum."
I look into the rearview mirror and see her smirking at me. We both bust out laughing. Needless to say, kids are sometimes not only hilarious, but also very insightful.