How to talk to young children in English

Do you know these English phrases for talking with young children? Words that English speakers use with kids have a lot of repetition ("no-no", "pee-pee", etc.) and often end in the "i" sound ("doggie", "yucky", etc.)

Here are some common examples of things people say to young children.

  • Good boy! / Good girl!
  • There you go!
  • Wow, good for you!
  • Look at the doggie! / Look at the horsie!
  • Whee!
  • Oopsie!
  • Did you fall down and get a boo-boo?
  • That's a no-no.
  • Do you have to go potty?
  • Do you have to do pee-pee or poo-poo?
  • Time to go put on your jammies and go beddy-bye.
  • Don't touch that! It's yucky.
  • Where's mommy?

Do you know of any other English "baby talk"? Post your examples and questions in the comments!

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