My Daughter’s ‘Most Talkative’ Award Was Surprising and a Bit Problematic

When I think of my daughter, countless adjectives come to mind. She is sweet, loving, kind, and incredibly smart. She is funny, curious, and brave. However, she is also quite loud. My daughter has no concept of volume control and is constantly chattering. While some might view this as a flaw, I’m proud to have a talkative child, and I consider it a blessing to be raising a little “chatty Cathy.” Why? Because my home is always lively, my life is never dull, and her endless conversations will serve her well in life.

It wasn’t until she started school that I realized she might be perceived as “different.” She has always been vocal, speaking at an early age and asking questions like “why is the sky blue?” and “why are trees green?” She easily made friends in every setting, from parks to grocery stores. However, it wasn’t until pre-K when she received the title of “most talkative” at the end-of-year awards that I truly recognized how this trait set her apart. Not “most friendly” or “most likely to succeed,” but “most talkative.” (Yes, really.)

While some found humor in the award, especially the teachers and parents familiar with her personality, I didn’t see the funny side. It’s been three years, and my feelings haven’t changed. Her voice is a source of empowerment, and her curiosity will guide her throughout school and beyond.

Society often teaches girls to be quiet and reserved. Both history and media portray loudness as a flaw, particularly for women. A loud woman is often seen as rebellious, and conforming typically means being silent. However, being vocal doesn’t make a girl overbearing or troublesome. Instead, it equips her with powerful tools that can take her far in life.

Expressing oneself is crucial; it shapes personality and character. Asking questions fosters understanding of the world and one’s place in it. Talkative children tend to be curious, and their inquiries yield answers. Talking enhances communication skills—there’s simply no downside.

But that’s just part of the story. My daughter’s vocal nature allows her to express her thoughts and feelings effectively. It helps her ask for help when needed and communicate her wants and needs. Being talkative also aids in making friends quickly; talking is a vital social skill. My daughter’s storytelling ability—from whimsical tales of dragons to amusing accounts of her day—keeps everyone entertained. Importantly, her vocal nature makes her opinionated, a strength I wish I had more of myself.

Of course, her constant chatter can be overwhelming at times, especially during movies or late at night when she bursts in to share a story. At those moments, I long for silence. The “gift of gab” can feel like a double-edged sword. Some may find her overwhelming because of her chatter.

However, I hope my daughter remains bold and proud. I want her to continue asking questions and expressing herself. Her thoughts are not a burden; her voice is not an annoyance, and her talkative nature is an asset. There is strength in her words, and I never want her to feel the need to be quiet.

For more insights on parenting and related topics, check out this article on home insemination. If you’re looking for authoritative information on home insemination, visit Make A Mom for more resources. You can also find excellent guidance on treating infertility from ACOG.

Search queries:

Summary:

This article reflects on the challenges and triumphs of raising a talkative daughter who received a “most talkative” award in school. It emphasizes the importance of encouraging self-expression, curiosity, and communication skills in children, especially girls, while acknowledging the societal pressures to be quiet.

Keyphrase: My Daughter’s Most Talkative Award

Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]