Puppy Talk

I find myself talking to my 1 year old like a puppy. A lot.

No bite.
Be good.
Stay.
Good Zachary.
Sit.
We don't put mouths on other people's faces.

You know, stuff like that.

The thing is, when you think about it, he is a lot like a puppy. His knowledge of our language is limited. He certainly doesn't understand grammar. So, short key words, are what helps him get the point the best. My understanding is that children understand much of our language by 15 months. That isn't to say they understand all the (odd) intricacies and could write a novel but they get the jist and know the major words and phrases that are important to them. I like to think I am helping my child by talking to him like a dog. The repetition is bound to be educational... right?

The similarities don't stop at his understanding of our language. Like a puppy, my son also slobers alot. He likes to chew on things. He travels on all fours. He eats his food in small bits. He likes to play fetch. He goes to the bathroom whenever and wherever he wants. He is cuddly and cute.

Maybe I'm perfectly reasonable in talking to him like a puppy.