Do You Love Using Baby Talk Or Does It Drive You Crazy?
Do you and your partner use baby talk when communicating at home? Are you raising your newborns using baby talk? How about with your pets? With those questions in mind, the folks at Preply.com offer up some interesting insights into how Americans use baby talk. In addition, they are also sure it drives a lot of people crazy!
America’s Favorite Baby Talk Words
Surprisingly, there are studies which show that using baby talk with very young children is a positive method of communication. I certainly thought it would be detrimental to a child’s development. However, according to an article by Sandee LaMotte on CNN.com, parents who slow down their speech, use “exaggerated intonation,” and a higher-pitched voice, “can boost infant brain and speech development.” Of course, they’re not referring to made-up words and sounds like “goo-goo ga-ga.” But using these methods with real words and phrases assists in a child’s development.
With that in mind, survey results from Preply.com reveal America’s favorite baby talk words. “Cuddles,” “Night-night,” and “Dolly” are the most popular. However, the most often used words are “Night-night,” “Tummy,” and “Binky.”
But even more surprising to learn is that we’re not only using these words with young children. In fact, per the Preply.com study, more people use “parentese” when communicating with their pets. The most popular words Americans use with their “fur babies” are “Whittle,” “Potty,” and “Boo-boo.”
Not to mention the fact that close to 20% of those surveyed use baby talk with their romantic partners. What are the favorite words for the love of your life? “Boo-boo,” “Tummy” and “Wuv.” If that makes you gag a little, you’re not alone.
How Do Americans Really Feel About Hearing ‘Parentese?’
So, are Americans critical of those who use “parentese” when speaking to kids, pets, or adults? Undoubtedly, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” The study by Preply.com reveals that more than 7 out of 10 certainly do not like adults who use baby talk with other adults. In like fashion, 69% find it annoying when parents speak to their children this way. However, only 47% of those surveyed get annoyed when people speak to their pets using this type of speech.
There is a great deal more information in this study if you’d like to check it out. If so, click here. Now, here’s more content you may enjoy!
Mistakes Parents Make Getting Kids Ready For School
#5. GIVING YOUR KID THE WRONG LUNCH
Okay, so at least they have a lunch, but #5 on the list of mistakes is packing the wrong lunch. It’s very disappointing when all you do is look forward to lunch time, open your lunch pale and it’s WRONG!!!! C’mon mom and dad…pay attention! LOL!
#4. DRESSING THEM IN MISMATCHING OUTFITS
Hey, school is going to be hard enough without dressing like a nerd! Listed at #4 as a mistake parents will make is laying out that mismatching outfit for school. It’s early in the morning, but be sensible right? Good Luck!
#3. FORGETTING TO MAKE BREAKFAST
They do say that breakfast is thee most important meal of the day. However, with that said, it’s #3 on the list when parents forget to make breakfast for the kids before school!
#2. OVER SLEEPING
It’s gonna happen. The alarm isn’t set, you didn’t get enough sleep or you just don’t want to get up. On the list of mistakes, at #2 is over sleeping! This will put you behind for the whole day…so make sure to set the alarm!
#1. FORGETTING TO PACK A LUNCH
Well, if you have one or more kids, it’s bound to happen. You’ll forget at least one of them. It’s #1 on the list of mistakes parents will make getting their kids ready for school. Well, you still have the weekend to get it together, so come Monday, good luck!
Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
