Write For a Parent

When Amanda started inserting “like” after every fourth word in her sentences, you can bet I wanted to send that word the primrose way to the everlasting bonfire. It took a lot of nagging on my part, but it didn’t take long – and now I am happy to say that she only uses “like” in its proper verbal form or to introduce a simile. I’m not too worried if she uses it around her friends; at least I know she’s capable, and I’m not looking to ostracize her from the group.

Here’s how we did it. First, I felt it was important to use a double tactic. Studies have shown that children between the ages of four and 11 make sharp leaps in language learning, almost daily. Why not learn two things rather than one? So I decided that if Amanda wanted to play with her friends in the evening, not only would she have to stop using “like”, but she would also have to think of a new verb to express to me what they were going to do.

Second, I knew that if I couldn’t be clear myself, then she wouldn’t listen to me. And I couldn’t say “like”.

Third, I sat her down and we discussed the problem. Here’s how it went:

“I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal.”

“Because articulate people are considered intelligent, and inarticulate people and people who use “like” are considered stupid; and you work too hard to be considered stupid.”

“Yeah, whatever.”

Eventually, however, Amanda warmed up to the idea. She actually thought it was fun to express herself in new ways. She would come up to me and say, “Daddy, we are going to remind ourselves about the day, and then we are going to engage in a game of Barbies.” And eventually, the likes fell away, too.

So don’t be afraid of your child’s language, and be an exemplar yourself, and you will have success raising an eloquent, intelligent child.

Let the job interviews begin.