Introducing: The Pronouncer (Early nominee for Toddler Dialogue Of They Year) This weekend, the family was driving home after a long day of playing and Mirabel, age 3, sitting in her car seat, said that when we arrived, shed be explaining to people what they would be doing. I, she said, am the pronouncer! After we got over being startled she used that word, we asked her what tasks, exactly, she had in mind for us, and she said that, for instance, daddy (me) would be: fighting fires, cleaning up, and (forgive me) some other task I cant remember. It was very funny and we couldnt at all figure out where shed picked up the word and concept Pronouncer. (Wasnt George Bush the pronouncer? Deciderer?) Anyhow, the next day, I was in the car again with Mirabel, this time just the two of us. I asked her about being the Pronouncer, and the following exchange occurred (virtually verbatim). Mommys the Street Pronouncer and Im the House Pronouncer, Mirabel said. Whats the Street Pronouncer? When you drive, mommy says where to go. Oh, and whats the House Pronouncer? I say what happens at the house. Really? You say what happens in the house, huh? No. Actually, Mommys the REAL Pronouncer, and Im just pretending to be the Pronouncer. Ah, got it, reeling. And what about Milo? Milo, age 5, is her older brother. Milos the hero. He fights bad guys. Take a moment to appreciate the taxonomy that is unfolding, and then let us move on. Of course he is. And,.....Im hesitant to ask, but I do: What is daddy? Without any hesitation, Mirabel says: Daddy is the helper. Im the helper, I pause. Dont do it, daddy. Yep, I do it: Not a hero? And here comes my favorite part of the story. Daddy, helpers are heros. They help people when they get sick to get better. I think I have this straight. Helpers are heroes. Sure, we dont tell people what to do, and we dont fight the bad guys. But were...hero.... Wait a second, I think I know that tone of voice. It might be the same one that her mother uses when shes trying to get me to do something; explaining to me what a great job Im doing. Thank you dear, she says, I really appreciate it. I feel like a hero. Ive just taken out the composting or folded laundry. Well, in any case, the Pronouncer has Pronounced. Humbly, I will take my orders and carry on.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:45:41 +0000
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