Asking nicely

Emerson is almost two which means when he wants a banana he asks for it by shouting the word banana 75 times in an increasingly whiny and shrill voice. Because this is unpleasant Eric taught him another way to ask for things he wants. Now, when Emerson wants a banana he says "Hey Dad! I'd like some banana please!" in a non-whiny tone. It's so civilized and a little hilarious too.

Emerson has found it to be such an effective communications tool he has started using it more broadly. Recently he came up to me toward the end of the day and said "Hey mom, I'd like some dad come home now please."

He also uses it to make direct requests such as "Hey dad I'd like some dad get off the couch please."

It isn't perfect yet but it is an advance in toddler communication.