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You Can Say That Again
Kids Love Repetition
By Linda Sharp
When Finding Nemo entered our house, I finally made it a point to count how many times it made the trip through the VCR before dropping from the top of the "hit parade." Fifty-one viewings, 25 costumed performances, 17 bowls of popcorn and several frazzled nerves later, it was finally placed back in its box. The children had moved on to The Lizzie McGuire Movie; however, my mind was stuck in a loop with Ellen Degeneres, saying, singing, even dreaming, "P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sidney" for an additional week. (And NO, I do not wish to discuss how many times I sank with Titanic, thank you very much.)
Their other penchant for repetition comes in the form of questions: "Mommy, can I have some juice?" Breath. "Mommy, can I have some juice?" Breath. "Mommy, can I have some juice?" Breath. "Mommy, can..." "YES, I'll get you your juice!!!"
There is never any time given to respond. If the game shows of the world were run by children, no one would ever drive away in a car with California emission unless they could "Name That Tune" in no notes!
Ever notice too that if they are searching for you, they will not actually be going from room to room. They simply repeat your name over and over, louder and louder, longer and longer. "Mommy?" Breath. "Mommmmyyy!" Breath. "MOMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!" "I'M IN HERE SCRUBBING THE TOILET!!!!"
Children are also notorious for eating the same thing for long periods of time. Take macaroni and cheese, for example. What child has not helped support the macaroni and cheese industry by going on a cheesy noodle binge? They will eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, hot or cold, fresh or leftover.