The gift that keeps on giving... It's good grammar

Contributed By:Dorothy Nevils maslivend@sbcglobal.net

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and sundry people whose paths cross those who make you one of the groups named… this column’s for you! You might call it your own personal gift if you wish. I don’t mind. It’s a freebie. It didn’t cost me a cent! I’m retired, and therefore out of the “money makers” column. Nevertheless, I can still contribute, and you can “pass it on.”

You noticed, I hope, that all in the group above are generally elders. I must add a disclaimer, however, because some of you may, like me, have been an aunt or uncle years before you were even conceived! In fact, two nieces are at least six years older, and a whole slew of nephews are in my age group.

If this is the case with you, you may not make a dent in their language usage, but you can certainly influence the younger group!

“Why should I?” you may ask… and my answer is, “Because you love them!” Anything spent to help another, whether money, energy, or time, is well spent. Do you agree?

Some of you have been out bargain hunting, and will do it again, dressing before midnight – or earlier – to haunt the stores and crowd the doors to get something for next to nothing as soon as the clock strikes midnight… for you, or for someone you love! Well, right now, in the comfort of wherever you are, you can give a gift worth gold, and it won’t cost you a penny!

What is this, pray tell! It’s good grammar, the gift that keeps on giving… and you don’t even have to tell where you got it from! In fact, in many instances, it’s been stuffed away for years, unused, handed out, proffered year after year in classroom after classroom… and right now.

What good is good grammar, you ask, and why should I be concerned. After all, bad grammar hasn’t killed you thus far… and it hasn’t killed your nieces and nephews, nor your children or grands! So, if they have survived, isn’t that enough?

Well, a lot of things haven’t killed you, but you take the time to undo them! For instance, wearing clothes that are faded, or out of style, or ill-fitting is not lethal, but you avoid it just the same. A lot of things aren’t lethal, but you’ll not lift them to your face. Be as meticulous, as particular, with the youngsters that you love!

So, what am I saying? I’m saying hold them to good language. Help them to develop the habit of speaking and writing correctly.

If you love those darlings, give them a gift that will be a forever gift. Use correct grammar with, and encourage them to use it. Expand their vocabulary. Buy books for them and encourage reading and writing. Engage in word games with them, and let them see you really enjoying those games and the time you spend with them!

Don’t underestimate the power you have with a child if you start early enough, how much of an impact you can make, how special the child will feel as a result of your interest in him or her.

I speak from experience. Kids love attention. You may think that you are not that important to youngsters, but if you start early enough, you can mark your space… and nobody… and nothing… can take that space!

Story Posted:12/05/2018