Little Copy Cats

I remember when Makayla was between 12 and 18 months old I started having trouble with her throwing tantrums. I relied heavily on my friend Amanda's experience with running a daycare to help me navigate my way through these uncharted waters of parenting. Some of the best advice she gave me, advice that I continue to use 5 years later, is to provide her with the words that I want her to use.

At the time, it never occurred to me that she couldn't communicate with me because she lacked the vocabulary to do so. Makes sense, though, right?

As an example: when my children point and grunt, I supply them with the words, "May I have that, please?" Or when they get frustrated because someone is doing something they don't like, I have them say "I don't like that. Please stop."

I'm amazed at how well it works! But lately, I have been noticing that Makayla and Ellie use this on each other. I'm sitting in the living room, listening to them interact in the kitchen. I can't help but laugh as I hear this conversation between them:

M: Ellie, do you want me to help you color?

E: No. I can do it all by myself.

M: But I could help you cut it out, if you want.

E: No thanks. I can do it.

M: No, you are supposed to say, "Yes, please. I need some help."

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This happened another time that just cracked me up.

My parents were over for a little visit. After dinner we had root beer floats. Ellie asked my dad, "Grandpa, do you want a root beer float?" When he didn't respond immediately, she helped him find his words. In a whispered voice she said, "Say 'No thank you.'" When he countered that he did, in fact, want a root beer float, Ellie said, "That's not what I said. You are 'posed to say 'No thank you!'" It was classic!

I love that they are learning, but it definitely makes me very aware of the words I use with them.