I talk a lot.
It is in my nature, I like to chat. I also like to talk to myself (in my head), which involves reliving embarrassing moments, worrying about work, worrying about family, worrying about whether I’ve paid the window cleaner.
Talking to myself is fine, I can manage that, and whilst it probably isn’t entirely helpful for my mental health, I’m in control.
So what is the problem?
The problem is when I talk too much to my daughter.
Yes, she has a decent vocabulary for a three year old, but she has also been bombarded by a rabbiting Mother who finds it hard to say things once (without explanation).
I’ve read many articles about the benefits of explaining and reasoning with a child, but I think I may have just taken it a little too far. Most of my questions are three or four questions rolled into one. Honestly.
“What would you like for breakfast? Would you like toast? How about some Ready Brek? Toast and marmite? Are you sure?”
The poor child barely has a chance to answer before I’m giving her more multiple choices. If I had just asked her what she wanted for breakfast, and left it for a few minutes, she would probably answer me with “toast with marmite and peanut butter please”.
I should accept that.
If it isn’t quite what I want to give her, then I shouldn’t have asked her what she wanted in the first place, I should have just told her what she was having.
Why do we give young children a choice and then try and change their mind?
I can understand why we do it to our husbands and partners – to make it seem like they have a choice before coercing them into our takeaway or film perference, which we had decided on well before asking them.
But for our children? To me, it isn’t fair and it is confusing for them.
Tomorrow I will make a conscious effort to ask one open question about their breakfast and about their day. I will answer the questions that they ask, with all the detail they want, but I will be quiet when they’re quiet and will give them a chance to answer me before asking another question. **
** Note: This will exclude ‘getting dressed’ and ‘getting pyjamas on’ activities, which may involve asking the same questions multiple times.
Really interesting post – I am guilty of doing the exact same with my little girl! I might have to start trying the same – I’m probably overloading the poor thing with information! Great post #KCACOLS
Thanks for reading as part of #KCACOLS. It is so hard not to try and answer for them isn’t it. 🙂
Eden is only 5 months old and I already find myself doing this. I think I will follow your lead before she is old enough to understand! #KCACOLS
Ah bless her, it really is just a natural instinct. Thanks for reading. #KCACOLS
I am pretty sure I am guilty of this, especially when asking questions about her day at school! #kcacols
Thanks for reading, glad you could relate! #KCACOLS
oh from one chatterbox to another – all of my school reports said that if I stopped talking I might achieve what I’m capable of … once a chatterbox always one I think – good luck trying lovely x #KCACOLS
Haha, yes it is a tough slog. Poor thing as chatterboxes as both parents. No hope! #KCACOLS
I tend to offer my children 2 choices, when it comes to things like what they want to eat for breakfast, or what coat they want to wear that day, so they feel they have some control but I know whatever choice they make will be suitable! Who knows what they would chose if I just asked ‘what would you like for breakfast?’! x #KCACOLS
Thanks for reading, yes I try and give choices but sometimes I have a preference over one of them, especially if she always chooses toast. 🙂
I totally get this I am a waffler, I love a natter. I also talk to myself, often sternly or swear whilst making beds. When my son was younger I started shortening my sentences and using singular words. Especially when reasoning with him Instead of please put on your shoes other wise your feet will be cold and I asked you too…it went to shoes please! #KCACOLS
Ha, good idea. It is so hard to stop the verbal diarrhoea sometimes. 🙂
Ah this resonates with me very much – I’ve always been a right chatterbox! Very interesting post #KCACOLS
Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂
I think I’m the same too lol I also asked them lots of questions with lots of options. I guess we are all a little bit like that! Good luck! Thanks so much for sharing this at #KCACOLS. It is lovely to have you. Hopefully I will see you again tomorrow, 🙂 xx
Thanks for your comment Franca. I’ve been on holiday so apologies for the delay. 🙂