Finding Out if Your Child has Eaten

Are you a parent or a childcare provider? If you are, here’s a challenge for you.

Be a role model to your children. How many times have you asked your child, “You eat breakfast/ lunch / dinner already?”

I’m sure you’re aware that this sentence is incorrect. Yet, adults say it all the time out of convenience instead of saying “Have you had your lunch?” or “Have you eaten?”

Children learn and imitate what they see and hear. Parents play an important role in helping children on speaking right.

Take on the challenge to become a good role model for your children.

Try these 3 simple steps:

• Pick a phrase or sentence you often use that isn’t in Standard English. E.g.“You eat lunch already?”
• Think of how to say it in Standard English. E.g.“Have you eaten?” or “Have you had your lunch?”
• Be conscious of how you speak. Correct yourself immediately by using the phrase/sentence in proper English each time you forget and lapse into using non-Standard English.