Toddler Sponge Theory

At 3 years old, my son CJ (Chris Jr.) is a sponge. He soaks up everything he sees and hears, especially the profane slips of mommy's sometimes uncontrollable tongue. Oops! No matter how inconspicuous I think I am as I whisper grown up things on the phone, his bionic ears signal in and my exact words are repeated word for word as if they were recorded. It may not be that day, but I can be sure that in the near future, all of my "secrets" will be replayed in a chipmunk-like voice. It's almost as if his senses have been enhanced to pinpoint my faults. Needless to say, I am a work in progress and committed to doing whatever is necessary to be the best mommy to CJ that I can be.

On a positive note, I have been testing my sponge theory, and channeling these supernatural powers of hearing and remembering things. Results: Positive! Each week, I teach CJ words of five letters or more, along with a simple definition. At 3, CJ can accurately pronounce and define a word list that some adults cannot.

These words include, but are not limited to:
1) humongous - something that is very big like an ocean, an elephant, or a dinosaur
2) responsible - to take care of your things
3) relentless - never give up
4) apologize - to say you're sorry
5) concentrate - to think about something very hard or focus
6) suffocate - when you can't breathe
7) patient - to wait calmly
8) proud - to be happy for someone
9) blind - when you can't see anything, and everything is black
10) exhausted - very tired

I usually pull these words from Sesame Street's Word on the Street, or in conversation about something he is doing or watching on television. Upon introduction, I pronounce the word and he repeats it. Then, I tell him what it means and ask him to repeat it. Several times during the week, at least once or twice a day, I randomly review the words with him. He has an arsenal of about 20 words that he can readily pronounce and define. I am so proud of him!

Who's the Mommy?