You Say Tomato..

Is it wrong to purposely not correct your child’s pronunciation when their version of the word is SO cute. Having kids in Kindergarten and First Grade, I absolutely understand the importance of pronunciation. Sounding out words is particularly impossible when you pronounce vanilla, “a-nill-uh”. However, instead of correcting my one year old when he calls water, “wah-doo”, I encourage it by adopting his version of the word. For that matter, the entire family has started calling water, “wah-doo”(my one year old has us well trained). Experts say that when your child mispronounces a word, you should positively reinforce it with the correct word. For example:

Jordan (My 1 year old): I want wahdoo! (picture a mini tyrant ((minus mustache)), demanding water with furrowed eyebrows)

Mom: I will give you some water.

The result of this interaction supposedly teaches your kid to properly pronounce the word. I absolutely will not be doing this. Aside from the fact that mini tyrants in my house are made to say please and thank you before getting anything (regardless of age), “wah-doo” sounds way cuter than water (and slightly more sophisticated than wah wah. My baby’s got class.) Why would I want to “fix” it?

Kids grow up at light speed (effectively making us parents age faster than our peers), I see no harm in holding on to words that remind you that no matter how big they get, they will always be your baby.
What words do your kids mispronounce? Do you plan on correcting them?

Toddler vs BusBoy

I have never been a waitress (Aside from waiting on my family at mealtime. Which I’m sure doesn’t count, considering the tips are lousy). I’ve also never worked in a restaurant, therefore am only 99% sure that the following is true. After all, the assumption I am going to make could very well be mommy paranoia. You be the judge.

Am I the only one who has noticed the distinct disdain on a busboys face when children (more specifically toddlers) enter a restaurant? It most commonly looks like an allergic reaction (nostrils flared, eyebrows furrowed, jaws clenched, uncontrollable scratching). Their relationship with the mini patron is very different than that of a waitress. While the waitress ooh’s, and ah’s over an adorable toddler, the busboy can’t help but notice the mess accumulating around the high chair. A mess that he undoubtedly will have to clean up.

Moms have very little options in this scenario.

1. We could try to clean up said mess, however I’m not sure Ms. Manners would approve of any mom being on all fours at a restaurant. Even if being on all fours was for a good and clean cause. (plus, there is only so much you can pick up with your hands).

2. Ignore the mess all together, and pretend as if you don’t see it (perfectly reasonable to me). It’s not like we get to chose this option at home. Part of the fun of dining out is having someone wait on you. In my case, that also includes cleaning up after a tyrannical toddler.

Like the busboy, I too can’t help but notice the mess my toddler makes at dinner. The only difference is, I don’t get paid for cleaning it up.

Crappy, McCrappington

For the past several days, Jordan (14 months) has been suffering from diarrhea. (Not wimpy diarrhea. I'm talking about what my 6 year old calls "water crap" mixed with lots of booty crumbs). As a result, those of us who are responsible for changing his diaper are suffering too (not to mention those individuals within smelling distance). Initially I wasn't concerned. His change in poop did not come with any additional symptoms. No fever, dehydration (we've been giving him plenty of fluids), or anything else that would point to a more serious condition.

However, our list of casualties grew. Several pairs of pants, upholstery, blankets, towels and mattress have been fatally stained. Not wanting anymore fatalities, I left a message for the pediatrician. A few hours later, this is the message I received:

"For diarrhea you want to use milk that has no milk sugar in it like lactose free milk. Some foods that are good for diarrhea are: apple sauce, bananas, carrots and the most useful, rice. Yogurt is wonderful because it has active cultures in it and that puts some friendly germs into the gut. If there is blood in the diarrhea, then we have to do another whole sort of thinking. (Um, yeah duh!) Sorry to have missed you. I will try and call you later..."

(We have a fabulous pediatrician. He sees all 3 boys, and always gives practical advice.)

Hopefully sharing this information will help other parents keep there house diarrhea free.

So far, we have tried yogurt and are crossing our fingers for a speedy recovery!