A few years ago, our trip to/from the Outer Banks for vacation involved a 10+ hour car trip in each direction. As a result, I found myself in an excellent position to study and take notes on the Small Child Interaction Protocol (SCIP). Up close and personal. In the wild, as it were. Here, I present my findings from that trip.

SCIP begins with one of two interrogatives (”Mama?” or “Dada?”), originating from the Child and directed at a Parent. In theory, t...