The Magic of Childhood Language: A Journey Through Words and Wonder

WRITTEN BY SHANNON BEVER | PHOTOS SHANNON CONRAD PHOTOGRAPHY

The moment a child enters your life, your entire world transforms. Over my lifetime thus far, especially in the past seven years, I have been fortunate to know many children, and I can confidently say that my daughters are the most frustratingly beautiful and wonderful kids on the planet. No one truly prepares you for the experience of raising a child, but the magic of it all is undeniable. The sense of wonder, the excitement over mundane things and the sheer joy that comes from a simple “discovery” are unmatched by anything I have experienced in my 30-plus years.

One of my favorite aspects of childhood is the progression of skills, particularly in speech. My daughters have created their own words and phrases, often blending sounds and meanings in delightful ways. I even have a few “isms” from my own childhood that my parents remember and cherish. Language can be tricky, especially in English, where double entendres, homonyms, homophones and slang abound. It requires careful listening to understand the nuances of what children are trying to express. I can only imagine how challenging it must be for nonnative speakers to navigate these complexities while learning our language. And let’s not even get started on the pop culture terms that often leave millennials scratching their heads.

Yet, there is another layer of magic at play. The parents, guardians and educators who are immersed in this world of made-up words and “isms” become adept at decoding what children are saying. For instance, to my 2-year-old, “pips” means chips, “foffee” refers to coffee, and “free” is her way of saying three. “Honeys” translates to babies or children, while “ground prairie” means prairie dog. Other charming examples include “goggie” for dog, “banna” for banana, “uppy” meaning pick me up, and “peas” for please, “ah-wah” for I want, “aye” for yes or “opa” for listening to music.

These phrases and mispronunciations are entirely normal at a young age, and they create a special bond between caregiver and child. It’s like having a secret language that only you and your little one understand. This unique form of communication fosters connection and intimacy, allowing caregivers to feel a sense of pride and joy in their child’s development.

As children grow, their language skills evolve, and those adorable mispronunciations gradually fade. While it’s a natural part of their development, it can also be bittersweet for parents who cherish those early moments of linguistic creativity. Each new word learned is a milestone, but it also marks the end of an era filled with whimsical expressions. This is why I created the “Watch Me Grow Club,” a monthly photo program dedicated to celebrating these magical moments of a child’s development from birth to 2 years old. Members can capture these precious milestones in photos, which can then be turned into a beautiful baby book of memories.

The journey of raising children is filled with magical moments, especially when it comes to language. The joy of witnessing their unique interpretations of words and phrases is a treasure that enriches the lives of parents and caregivers alike. Embracing these moments not only enhances our connection with children but also reminds us of the beauty and wonder that language brings to our lives. So, the next time you hear a word or phrase that isn’t quite right, or makes you do a double take, treasure it, jot it down in a baby book or somewhere so you can remember this fleeting time and try to enjoy the secret language of the child in your life.

Shannon Bever owns Shannon Conrad Photography in Helena, MT. For more information on the Watch Me Grow Club visit www. shannonconradphotography.com/investment/#WMGclub.