The question came up from one of my “concerned readers”, on another post, Happy Fool’s Day… The “concerned reader” asked… “Is English your second language”?
I absolutely love writing and I love my readers. I encourage comments, feedback, shout out, money, baby-sitting services or if you want to come over and help me clean and do laundry I would love you forever! I feel that comments builds community and in a community there is the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I really appreciate ALL questions from my readers and I felt that this question deserved some extra attention. Since this was obviously a great concern to one of my readers.
My “concerned reader” asked, “Is English you second language”? I felt like I needed to personal respond to her as I do with all my readers. She was kind enough to express her concerns in her comment. I felt a whole post dedicated to my answer would only be fitting.
I’m sad to say “yes”… “English has in fact become my second language”.
I really did not realize it at first, but after my “concerned reader” has so kind heartily pointed it out for me. I’m happy to announce to all my readers, that I’m not in denial about this and I may seek help. I can sit here and confess to you, my lovely loyal readers that, “yes English is no longer my first language“. English has dropped down to my second language. Admitting the problem is the first step and I’m taking complete ownership of it. I am no way in denial about this!
My first language has proudly become Toddlernese. Please do not confuse this language with Whinese. I speak Whinese as well.
Toddlernese dates back to ancient times and has been a language we have all spoken at one point in our lives. When we were all between the ages of 2- 4 years old. It is commonly spoken all over the world.
Toddlernese is often seen on playground, preschools, daycares, and in everyday household with children. Toddlernese may also be seen in parents.
Although Toddlernese in adults is not as common as in children. Toddlernese in parents is commonly marked and identified by sleeplessness, forgetfulness, lack of time, issues with punctuation, “mommy brain” or “daddy brain”. In severe cases a total loss of the English language can be seen in both verbal or written communication.
I started speaking Toddlernese when my son became 2 years old. I felt that if spoke Toddlernese too, it would cut down on his level of frustration.
Thank you again for your comment!
Elaine Alguire says
I called in “Toddlerish” when I wrote a post about the crazy way my kiddo used to say words – ha!! So, I totally get what you are saying here. LOL!
Thank You Honey says
LOL!
Echo says
HAHAHAHAHA, this is awesome! I have one that speaks Toddlernese and one that speaks Whinese.
Echo recently posted…Sanity Saving Tip #3
mel says
Oh and I think you need to add this to the dictionary!
mel recently posted…A great and fantastic man- My Father! #oralbsweeps
Thank You Honey Blog says
I’m so applying! Thanks for stopping by!
mel says
Haha! I am trying to figure out the toddlerenese! It is so hard:):) Very cute post!
mel recently posted…A great and fantastic man- My Father! #oralbsweeps
Thank You Honey Blog says
Thank you! It can be a problem! But enjoy every minute of speaking Toddlernese!
Natasha says
I speak both toddlernese and teenese and I can’t wait to get back to english because I sometimes seem to combine the two and come out sounding and looking like I have a problem.
Natasha recently posted…ToothAche Paint
Thank You Honey Blog says
LOL! Thanks for stopping by!
Cindy Eikenberg says
Toddlernese – love it! You handled this graciously and I enjoyed your post – thank you for sharing it at Best of the Weekend! The entire life cycle of parenting involves a complex series of ever-changing language that every other parent totally gets! π Have a great week!
Cindy Eikenberg recently posted…DIY Worldβs Greatest Dad Shadowbox
Thank You Honey Blog says
Thank you! And thanks for stopping by!
ARod says
hysterical post way to look on the bright side π
ARod recently posted…Meet the Neighbors no 20
Thank You Honey Blog says
Thank you! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are enjoy that sweet baby boy!
Sue says
You handled the rude comment very well by writing this whole post about it because I think I would have deleted the comment. There is nothing about your writing that would prompt this kind of comment either! I love baby talk; nothing so beautiful.
Sue recently posted…Meet The Neighbors Link Party 20
Thank You Honey Blog says
Thank you! And thanks for stopping by!
Jenn says
Well, you handled that gracefully, but I still had to go back and reread to see what prompted that rude (passive-aggressive) question!
I saw nothing to denote a struggle with the language — your writing voice is distinctive; maybe that stick was so far up her backside it was hitting her retina?
I’m not so nice ,I guess.
Jenn recently posted…She is my Poet, He is my Writer.
Thank You Honey Blog says
Thank you! Yeah not sure what some people are thinking sometimes! That was the rude comment I was taking about at Erma! LOL! Thanks for stopping by! Xoxo
yonca says
Great post! As a family we have almost started to learn teenese since he is turning 13 on June. Btw, i have another language,..and English is really my second language π Have a great weekend!
yonca recently posted…Turquoise and Summer!
Thank You Honey Blog says
That’s great! Thanks for stopping by!
Monika @ Lovely Bookshelf says
My daughter turns 5 next month and I feel like my language skills are finally starting to become effortless again. It’s a process, ha! Glad I’m not alone! (stopping by from the SITS group)
Monika @ Lovely Bookshelf recently posted…Armchair BEA: Interview with Kate Barber, Book Artist
Thank You Honey Blog says
No way lady us moms are in this together! Thanks for stopping by!
Anne Josephson says
Perfect response, go you!
When your kiddo hits teenage years, don’t be surprised if you pick up “teenese” which mostly consists of grunts, eye rolling and the words “whatever” and “fine” along with the phrase “leave me alone.” π
Anne Josephson recently posted…The Fast Green Tigers: A Preschool Soccer Experience
Thank You Honey Blog says
Teenese! Oh no another language! I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep it all straight! LOL Thanks for stopping by!
The Next Step says
Hang in there mama – your language skills will evolve again! I have twins who are 4 and I’m just starting to come out of the inability to converse with adults. Clearly, the person who asked if English was your second language has yet to overcome the immaturity associated with Toddlernese – maybe there is a support group they can join. π
The Next Step recently posted…“The Talk”
Thank You Honey Blog says
I love it! Yes! Thanks for stopping by!
Roshni says
LOL!! I totally sympathize but I’m sure you are proud to be bilingual!! π
Roshni recently posted…Online games : 3 ways to not let this lead to a clash of generations
Thank You Honey Blog says
Very proud! Thanks for stopping by!
Meredith says
I was just telling my husband the other day about how each child has a different language when they are two and I have been able to master each individual one! A stranger would never be able to understand my 2yo saying chicken nuggets, but I can without any hesitation. π
Meredith recently posted…Chore Zones: A Way to get LITTLE kids to clean up their BIG messes
Thank You Honey Blog says
It’s funny how we do that and know exactly what they are saying. Even if it doesn’t sound anything close. Thanks for stopping by!
Sarah@ RufflesandRainBoots.com says
Wow, you handled that like a champ! π
We call it “Toddlerease” around here and coupled with “Mommy Brain,” it’s like I’m having to learn English again every morning.
Well done, as always.
Sarah@ RufflesandRainBoots.com recently posted…Red, White and Blue Series: Color-Changing Carnations Experiment
Thank You Honey Blog says
Thank you! I think humor is the best way. Thanks for stopping by!
Meghan Gray says
ME TOO! I have noticed that after I get no response to Standard English, I completely revert to his own vernacular. Works every time. I think I’ll be sad when we grow out of this phase.
Meghan Gray recently posted…Book ‘Em Kiddo: The Zoo
Thank You Honey Blog says
So glad to hear I’m not alone! I will probably be sad too! Thanks for stopping by!