What to say to babies

Apparently there’s some online chatter today from young parents realizing they’re supposed to speak to their babies so the kids can learn language. “But what are we supposed to say to them?”

My first memory is of Grandma tending me — holding and rocking me in her kitchen, lights out, trying to get me to sleep. My family was visiting North Carolina, and my parents and siblings were out exploring.

I was crying. I didn’t have the word ‘FOMO’ yet, or any words for what I needed. But I was sure that fun was being had without me. When she asked what was wrong, I reached toward the window. I could see flashes of light in the yard, and thought everyone else must be out there playing with sparklers.

So she talked to me. I don’t remember the exact words she used, but I do remember her carrying me outside and telling me all about these bugs that could light up to find each other. I remember the wonder I felt. I still feel that wonder when I see fireflies now.

Grandma passed the next summer, before we made it across the country to see her again. But her words helped me remember her. And when my babies were little, I did as she had: I just talked to them like they were people experiencing this world for the first time.

We all are, aren’t we?

I’ve tried and failed several times to make a great photo of the fireflies here in New England. So: photo Credit: “Fireflies and Star Trails No. 3” by ikewinski is licensed under CC BY 2.0.