Katherine, my 2 1/2 year-old, has learned a new word...Lipitor. This is the latest in a string of slogans and brand names that she has picked up through TV. Her other newly-acquired words/slogans include "Moving Forward" (Toyota's catch phrase), "Eat Fresh" (Subway), "Wah-mert" (Wal-Mart), "Berdonalls" (McDonald's) and Nasonex (she can't actually say that one, but she recognizes the cartoon bee).
We don't have cable or satellite and most of the TV she does watch is the educational stuff on PBS. PBS is virtually commercial-free, so these words must have crept into her vocabulary while I was watching the news or Thursday night TV. I can't imagine what things would be like if she regularly watched other kid channels with all their toy commercials.
So, congratulations American marketing execs! You have convinced my toddler that she needs to reduce her cholesterol after she has eaten at "Berdonalls" while driving her Toyota and shopping at "Wah-mert." I, however, am still not convinced. I prefer Target and plain old Benadryl...and I drive a Chevy.
And incidentally, Katherine also knows all her letters, upper case and lower case and can count to 13, so I'm not a terrible parent. I just happen to be the mother of a sponge.
