To wonder what is wrong with talking to your child?

[SpanielFace]

Genuine question... Please don't flame me!

I've seen several threads on here criticising parents who talk loudly to their children in public, sing to them, encourage them to answer questions, and so on. "What colour is that flower? What noise does the cat make?" etc. Apparently this is called loud parenting, or performance parenting, or just plain pushiness.

DS is only 10 months, but I chat to him loads. Not loudly, not constantly (he has plenty of time playing by himself while I potter around doing things) - but I do tend to tell him what I'm doing, I point things out to him in the buggy, we read books, we sing action songs.

My understanding (from HV, Surestart centres etc) was that talking to and encouraging your baby was a Good Thing. In fact, I received a bookstart pack today with a free story book, and a leaflet of suggested activities ("Talk about what colours you can see in the book. Can you see any of these colours in your home? Can you make a noise like an owl?")

So who is right? Where is the line between interactive parenting and stimulating your baby, and pushy parenting? And am I one of these annoying "loud parent" types I keep reading about?

[SarahAndFuck]

Ice-creams or some sort of smiley cocktail with an umbrella in it. And lots of ice cubes.

Or maybe a gin and lime with tonic water and ice in a tall glass that's been slightly frozen first...mmm.

Yes we definitely need more smileys and gin.

Things have improved slightly since the school over the road stopped playing Gangnam Style on a loop since 8:30 this morning because it was inflatable sports day.

I've got to say, seven hours of Psy has not helped with my happy mood today

[MmeLindor]

Oh, heavens, Sarah. I'd have been over there with a big pair of scissors to sabotage the sound system after an hour.

We definitely need a [icecream] smiley

[exoticfruits]

Agreed-although I think the smiley cocktail with umbrella would be nice-I wonder if MNHQ will read.

[MmeLindor]

begging thread here

[exoticfruits]

Thanks!

[SomethingChanged]

I spend ages chatting to my DS. I think it's quite natural when you're alone with a child. My DH mentioned competitive swing parents the other day though. Don't worry not how hard/high the push is just the chat and how much FUN everyone is having!

[Chottie]

I think it's that 'special voice' which is clear and carrying and means that everyone in a 50 yard has to share the joy.

[exoticfruits]

You can say what you like when alone! PP is only for the benefit of other adults.

[wickeddevil]

Well I witnessed a variation of PP today.

DH and I took DD to a stately home / garden this afternoon, and whilst in the toilets I overheard another child say to her mother "it's noisy in here"

"Oh yes, returned the mother, it's always noisy in here"

Good for you if you are regular visitors to the facilities dear. But perhaps you should look at your Daughter when you are pretending to talk to her?

Your triumphant look at me was wasted.