Use Your Words

I learned for the first time this summer, the apparently well-used phrase to toddlers: use your words. I was at a family gathering and being exasperated in jest the way that only family can. Apparently I was so befuddled that I couldn’t formulate any words — and so the comment was made again in jest and with much laughter: come on Sally, use your words. Which of course escalated the laughter and my lack of articulation.

Today sitting on the couch with my sister-in-law (whoo hooo for the new Mrs. Chambers) and Janey was in a huff. We’re still not sure exactly why but almost four year-olds don’t need a reason to be all haughty. She finally lifted her head from a pillow fiercely pouting. She looked straight at her mother and then pointed to her bedroom, mouth sealed shut. Clearly laughing wasn’t appropriate or helpful. After some cajoling, Brenda firmly said: Janey use your words. And eventually she did.

Janey is almost four. I get why she needs a little help remembering to not only use her words but how to use them. I really wonder though why it is that we as adults still need so much help using our words.