So, I admit I do these dips into neurotic musings that something is wrong with my kids. The neurosis of the month seems to be Birch’s talking to himself. Anyone else wondering if this is normal?

I found lots of research about this. In one sentence, “Children’s private speech is better than harmless: it’s positively helpful.” Really? Really? Thank God!

(from one of my favorite resources Penelope Leach-Your Baby and Child: From Birth to Age Five (Revised Edition))

Here is why she and others think it is harmless and why children do it:

• When a parent or teacher helps a child tackle such a challenging task, she first offers verbal directions abut what has to be understood or done….the child’s private speech incorporates these dialogues so that when she attempts that same task on her own, she can give herself directions, suggestions and reminders.Eventually children begin to br able to think words without saying them out loud. -Penelope Leach

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