Semantic tricks of two-year-olds.

The boy is a tricky fellow. He knows exactly how to get stuff out of his parents. Here's how it works.

First, he asks for something in a semi-inarticulate fashion. This is pretty easy since he's only barely understandable at the best of times (although his diction improves daily).

His parents, being all totally up on Modern Parenting Theory, are conditioned to repeat back everything he says, on the understanding that this will reinforce verbal development. So, when we hear him say something a little unclear, we repeat back what we think he said, usually in the form of a question.

The boy then acts all excited and happy that we asked him if he wanted whatever it was he was asking for in the first place. His bemused parents, not wanting to provide negative reinforcement to a child in his early developmental stages, then give him whatever he wants.

It goes like this:

Boy: (sort of mumbling) Mrrtrtyachps?

Me: More tortilla chips?

Boy: (Perfectly clearly) YEAH, SURE! [Runs off to stand expectantly beneath snack cupboard.]



He gets me every time. I am such a sucker.