Awhile back, I mentioned that since Bethel was using only one word (never two), I didn’t require her to say please when she asked for something. (i.e., I had her say what she wanted: “Milk”) As long as she wasn’t whining for it, or crying, that was sufficient. I usually repeated her one word along with Please, figuring that at least she would hear the “right” phrase and imitate it down the road. I reasoned that when she could handle two words, then I’d have her use the word please, too.
She’s now at that stage. Funny, she automatically started using please. She’s using other 2-word combinations, so I know what I expect fits her ability. That’s a comforting thought. Besides, it’s fun to hear her little voice say “Pea.”