This past weekend we were putting together a grocery list, and Tristan (see at left, age 8) reminded his dad that we needed “chocolick.” From the time he was little, he’s always pronounced chocolate this way. Kids have their own words for things that they slowly abandon as they grow and learn, but as my husband corrected him, I found myself protesting!

I feel like I spend all of my time correcting my kids–don’t go there, put on your helmet, eat your vegetables, finish your homework, etc., etc. Most of these are about safety or health, of course, or things that are “for their own good.” I know they should know how to say words properly, but then I miss the kid words! I think it’s interesting how kids start to use words, and the little mistakes can be so endearing. And it’s pretty harmless, right? It’s not something that has to be fixed right away…

Soon enough they’ll be all grown up and know how to say everything just right, but I’ll probably always find myself craving “chocolick” candy.