Ventriloquism for Three-Year-Olds

To his credit, Clay has been an excellent tutor for Brennan's language development. Several months ago, Clay began picking up on our regular challenges to Brennan to speak -- "Brennan, can you say ______?" During meals (when they sit across the table from each other) or during car trips, Clay would begin throwing out words and phrases and prompting Brennan to repeat them. We thought it was adorable and, to be honest, it actually has done a lot to accelerate Brennan's speech development.

Somewhere along the way, however, Clay has found a way to manipulate this hobby to his own benefit . . .

"Brennan, can I have that toy? Can you say, 'Yes'?"

"Brennan, is it my turn? Can you say, 'Yes'?"

. . . and on it goes. Brennan has been a quick study of this deception and no longer falls for it -- but Clay still gives it a try several times a day.

Maybe it's time for me to invest in a howdy-doody doll for Clay?