I thought I would offer a couple examples of how different it is to talk with a two-year-old than with a six-year-old. A couple of short transcripts.
(Holding his “lovey,” which is a stuffed animal dog) ”Mommy, what is doggy’s name?”
“I don’t know honey, that’s a good question. Did you give him a name?”
“Yes.”
“You did? That’s wonderful! What is doggy’s name?”
(Very excited and happy.) ”His name is doggy!”
“Oh.”
“Mommy!”
“Yes.”
“What is doggy’s name?”
(In the car on the way home from day care after work.) ”Mommy, can I have a Starburst?”
“No. Maybe after dinner, if you eat your dinner.”
(Shrieks.) ”Mommy, I hate your car! This is a bad car!”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Why do you hate my car?”
“Because I hate your car!”
“Oh. But why?”
“This is a bad car!”
“Why?”
“Because this is a bad car.”
Sigh.
