People teaching DS to say "ta" not "thank you"

[auburnlizzy78]

He's 11 months. Just not sure whether I'm BU to be irritated. I say it sometimes obviously in conversation so I'm not a Brian Sewell-type stickler for perfection when it comes to spoken English.... but should we not be teaching correct words first as he will pick up enough slang on his own anyway?

One of the grandparents is always doing this - asking DS to pass her a book or a toy and repeatedly saying "ta, ta" at him. I tried the subtle approach of joining in and saying "thank you DS" but she didn't click and kept on with the "ta, ta, ta." Not sure if I should correct gently or let it go?

I'm a 'ta snob' and proud. It was 'thank you most kindly gracious lady' or nothing in our house.

GB

My 3year old says ta.Don't bother me.She knows what it means.When people give her a drink etc she says it and always says please.My nearly 6year olds manners though are s Oh and they shocking.His a good boy but just cant bring himself to say please or thankyou unless I coach him oh and they say ta here aswell

Oh hello Mysterious, fancy seeing you here! Ta is ok when you say it because you're from The North and therefore I make allowances . I am sure the odd "innit" has passed my lips and you haven't lamped me. It is so heartening to have a successful multicultural friendship.

Seems like it's still pretty divided where IABU or not. If GP was from the north or somewhere where everyone said ta I think I would be fine about it. But it just sounded jarring from someone who NEVER says it themselves and is deliberately teaching the word when the child is perfectly capable of learning thank you (as some of you have confirmed regarding your own children). Therefore I thought - why do it?? Especially when you've just heard me say thank you, why not take your cue from the parents? I would in that situation!

Was particularly interested to hear your comments as a speech therapist mistressploppy.

Oops.My message went a bit wrong here.

I am from the "North" and would never say "ta". Nor would anyone I know.

There.Not bloody here.Oh I give up.I blame the wine

Saying "ta" isn't going to stop them learning thank you. I say "ta" "thanks" and "thank you" and have never had an issue understanding the meaning of each of them ;)

Surely the important thing is that children learn to thank people and the word they use, especially when very young, isn't that significant.

I'm not up north but they do say ta here

I taught DS "cue" as a halfway house to thank you, as I cannot abide 'ta.'

My father, always a stickler for grammar, was once overheard correcting my 18mo niece who had asked for a biscuit by saying "can I have a giccy please, Grandad," by saying: 'Do you mean, "may I?" '

I'm not from the North and loads of people I know say Ta

Origins of the word "ta"

FFS - it's an acknowlegement.

Rather that than fuck all if you ask me. It doesn't mean that your son will use 'ta' forever does it, only until he learns how to use the English language.

I think you're being a snob and a leetle bit precious.

mumblechum - DD used to say "bapum" (she was only 12 months old)

Fair enough - I'll let her teach him "ta" and then at least I can boast to baby group that my child is bi-lingual . In Danish, no less. Actually he does look a bit Danish......

Enough. Work tomorrow, so time to finish this very nice glass of Malbec and retire to bed.

My professional opinion is that it matters not one jot though, Auburn . But that doesn't mean I can't hate it in my spare time

think your being very precious to be honest!

Can't stand Ta or Hiya, call me what you like but sounds like chalk on a blackboard to me .

DD and DS were taught "ta" at nursery by the very lovely staff there. They stopped saying "ta" as soon as they started speaking properly and are now 10 and 12 and do not seem to have sustained any lasting damage

Oh and please don't call me aunty. I am an island of east Africa and not related.

Well, if your child is speech delayed you're more than thankful when they can manage 'ta' I can tell you.

My kids used to just use the Danish tak, close enough to the English for anyone to assume they were just Northern oiks rather than speaking another language :-)

YANBU

I loathe 'ta'. YANBU.

YANBU - my firend's DD said 'why teach them ta then thank you - surley that's just more to learn'

Hate ta - naff