“In psychoanalytic theory, individuals revert their behavior to an earlier stage of development, and they may mimic childish mannerisms as well as speech. It is actually very common and most couples resort to it when they want to either display vulnerability or as a way to get closer in a very intimate manner.”
“Baby talk” isn't just for babies; it's often used to show affection by adults (weird, right?) It's very common for adults to be irritated by “baby talk,” especially when it's used out of context. Children sometimes use “baby talk” to signal a need for closeness, and it's okay to respond to that emotional cue.
There could be all kinds of reasons. Many people automatically speak in a higher voice when speaking to animals or children. Other people have acquired the habit of speaking in a baby voice to appear cuter, sweeter and usually also less intelligent than they actually are.
The high-pitched, singsong tone we switch to when interacting with young children can go by many names—baby talk, parentese, or, according to development specialists, infant-directed speech.
The reason that is, is because your vocal cords are shorter and thinner, and your throat and the Adam's apple and the larynx, the house for the vocal cords, are all smaller. So, your instrument is smaller. The vocal cords are smaller.
If you sound like a child, it is most likely that you are not using enough diaphragm support to release your singing voice in a relaxed mode; instead you constrict your throat more, in order to squeeze out your voice.
Parenting educator Judy Arnall, author of Discipline Without Distress, says that school-aged kids use baby talk as a way of getting their parents to notice them. “If your child isn't getting enough positive attention, she may try something else,” she says.
Regression: A popular but frequently forgotten defense mechanism is a regression. When things get too difficult and a person feels vulnerable, defense mechanisms kick in as a way of self-preservation. Regression is a return to childlike behavior as a way to avoid adult-like reality and responsibility.
“Regression happens to people when they feel stressed or anxious causing them to revert to old behaviors or habits they exhibited as a child because it is somewhat easier to do this than face the stressor,” says Jenny Noia-Gilson, a licensed clinical social worker.
Yes, baby talk signals affection but it can also be used as a manipulation tactic in relationships. Leyla* dreads weekends at her older brother's house because, unknowingly, he speaks to his wife in the same high-pitched baby voice he used for her when she was growing up.
Talk to them about it: The next time they talk to you “wiff a wittle baby wisp,” use your best parent voice and say something like, “Why are you speaking to me like that?” They may not realize they're doing it so often, and they probably have no idea it bothers you so much, so address it directly.
Parents can use baby talk when going about everyday activities, saying things like, “Where are your shoooes?,” “Let's change your diiiiaper,” and “Oh, this tastes goooood!,” emphasizing important words and speaking slowly using a happy tone of voice.
After an initial regular display of Vocalizations, at 6–12 months there is a decrease in Vocalizations in infants with ASD, as opposed to the increase found in TD infants. At 6–18 months Babbling emerges and increases progressively both in ASD and TD infants.
While the experts agree that there's no “right time” to stop using baby talk with your child, Karp says it is important to adapt your kid-speak as they age, and especially when emotions are running high.
First proposed in 1876 by Charles Leland, the baby-talk theory is considered the earliest pidgin generation theory. This theory likens pidgin speakers to young children first learning how to speak.
Immature personality disorder (IPD) was a type of personality disorder diagnosis. It is characterized by lack of emotional development, low tolerance of stress and anxiety, inability to accept personal responsibility, and reliance on age-inappropriate defense mechanisms.
Many possible reasons point to why you might be holding onto immature behaviors, including being rewarded for being immature, being surrounded by other not-so-mature people, having an abusive upbringing, or not having mature role models while growing up, says clinical psychologist John E.
Often big kids want to play baby to settle fears they have about being replaced when younger children arrive. Meanwhile, younger kids may be stretching towards new independence, but want to be babied when that feels hard.
You may have also heard that smart children talk a lot — it's a common “gifted” trait. While early reading can point to a high probability that a child is smart, some very smart children don't talk early or talk much.
For older children, she said, “it can stem from low self-esteem or is used to seek attention from peers and/or adults.” Hurley recommends that teachers and parents look at the underlying feelings behind upspeak and baby talk.
Before your growth spurt, your larynx is relatively small and your vocal cords are relatively thin. So your voice is high and kid-like. But as bones, cartilage, and vocal cords grow, your voice starts to sound like an adult's.