Is that what you meant?

My family is very active politically and has been since I was a small child.

It was only natural that I wanted my son to be aware of the accomplishments made by my father. When he was about five years old I thought it was time for him to get his first lesson in politics and Kentucky history.

I explained that his grandfather had run for governor in 1971, and although he had not won, he had done very well.

I was astonished at the excitement this stirred in my young son.

"He ran for governor?" he asked, as a smile appeared on his face. Although I was rather shocked by his enthusiastic response, I was very pleased at his appreciation for politics.

Several weeks passed and I had thought no more of our conversation. My son I were driving past a jogger as I noticed a puzzled look on my son's face.

After a few seconds of intense thought, he looked at me and asked, "Mommy, is that man running for governor?"

Whoops!

It had never occurred to me to cover the basics.

Miscommunications can occur at any age, whether at five or fifty. Assuming our listener understands may create miscommunication. Make sure the message is clear, because what we don't say may be as important as what we do say.