The Language Dictator
When speaking, I have a tendency to mix my metaphors, choose awkward words and create folksy sayings that wouldn’t be claimed by any folk. It is usually in the middle of a passionate story re-telling where my words are paragraphs ahead of my brain. Due to my below average typing skills, these things get edited out when I write…as it should be.
I have gotten used to grammar and phrase correction. Let me rephrase that, I have gotten used to grammar and phrase correction from adults.
I have found I am a little less receptive to language correction when it is my three year old.
A few weeks ago Rhett(3) decided that if he asked a question, “uh-huh” was not an appropriate answer.
In fact, the response uh-huh appears to be an insult to him and the very ground that he walks on. At first, the unwelcomed uh-huh was met with Rhett’s pout and a “don’t say that!”. It has escalated into a full blown tantrum with hands over his ears, stomping of feet and the screeching of “uh-huh is a BAD WORD”.
uh-huh?
*insert tantrum here*
I believe the root of his uh-huh angst is that he believes that I am dismissing what he has to say. I am not hearing him. I am brushing him off with the old uh-huh followed by an absentminded nod.
Since that mommy epiphany, I have made a conscious effort to make sure I am making eye contact, responding appropriately and really listening.
It has made NO DIFFERENCE at all. My uh-huh is being met with over-reaction to the three year old degree.
What I didn’t realize was how many uh-huh‘s I use in everyday speech. Now that I have it highlighted with a tantrum extravaganza, it has occurred to me that maybe I do over use the phrase a bit…
OK, maybe A LOT.
Uh-huh.
Uh-huh makes me NUTS. So much so that if Alexis says it, she is immediately met with, “Yes or no?” I will not reply to grunts, groans, moans, or sound effects. Just words.
It’s totally backfiring. I now get busted for the same at least 40 times a day. Oops.
Try Mmm hmm and see if it makes a difference. Sounds like M&M’s after all.
It’s cracking me up that you wrote about this because Gavin cannot stand it when I say that either. He says “No say it Mamma!” Actually, he yells it.
In our house it’s “yep” Eli (4) always yells “Say yes, not yep.”
xo, SG
uh-oh.
(and why does wordpress correct me on my comments? your comment was too short? try again? uh huh)
We went through a phase where we all said “yah”. Then I thought they needed some manners and told them they needed to respond with a yes/no ma’am. Now I am always called out on saying “yah” instead of yes/no.
But I must admit when I say “uh huh” I probably am not listening very well.
Try “Hoooooooooo doggie” instead. He’ll like that one.
I can always tell when my wife isn’t paying attention, because I get the “uh-huh.” I with Rhett on this one, uh-huh!
I have to admit I’m not a fan of uh-huh either — probably because I heard it too much as a kid. But then you become a parent, and realize NOW you’re doing it too! When my son was small, I tried to replace “uh-huh” with “really? cool!” or “wow” occasionally. Of course, that can backfire on you too! 😉