‘I no longer worry about my son (2.5) not talking yet’
‘What? Is your son two and a half and not talking yet ?! ‘ Yes, dear cashier, my son is two and a half and no, he is not talking yet. So please stop asking him if he likes racing cars and stick that Max Verstappen loyalty card somewhere where the sun isn’t shining. Thank you…
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Fall behind
Of course I didn’t react that fiercely (I used to stammer something like: “Yeah… well, typical guys, huh?”), But I wanted to shout it. Because no matter how well-intentioned: I find it quite difficult when a complete stranger gives his opinion about the language development of my child. For months our life has been dominated by consultation office visits, the ENT doctor, speech therapy and the audiology center. So if someone also wants to do another pee while loading my double-layer toilet rolls and 30+ cheese, I sometimes have had enough.
I myself have long stopped worrying about the fact that Mack is verbally behind, because our child makes friends like the best. He’s sweet, funny, gentle and his smile is so infectious that he wraps everyone around with it. With his eyes closed he sees the difference between a stegosaurus and a brachiosaurus. And he already knows more English words than his mother. But pronounce them? Or simply say what he wants on his sandwich? Ho but. Mack does whatever he likes.
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Daddy
This becomes clear when, after two and a half years, he suddenly says his first word ‘ah-en’ and ‘uh-en’. For a moment I think it is a fluke, but when he proudly points to Romano’s photo and still shouts very clearly ‘Daddy’, I know for sure.
It’s been a few weeks now, and Mack has completely figured out the word ‘daddy’. Mommy is daddy, grandma is daddy, grandpa is daddy and dog Ziggy is daddy. I am very proud. To my stubborn toddler who does not just let himself be told what to do and what not to do, but also to Romano. Because if anyone can show off the title ‘first word ever’, it is him.
This column can be found in Kek Mama 02-2021.
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