Toddler - Speech Development
Here are some simple but effective ways to keep your child talking:
Keep it short and simple: This makes it easier for your child to understand and provides them with something they can copy.
Modelling: Modelling language gives your child an opportunity to hear language and then practice it. Use simple sentences as short as your child's or only slightly longer. If it's too hard, your child is unlikely to copy and use it.
Expand and add on: Add words onto what your child says. This allows the child to learn new words and hear how words are put together, as well as acknowledging what they have said in a positive way. Your child does not have to repeat the longer sentence, but may try it later.
Give him/her chances: When asking your child questions, give your child a choice of responses. In doing so, you increase your child's chance of success and model language at the same time.
Things to remember:
- Children develop talking skills at different rates.
- Respond positively to every attempt the child makes.
- It's OK to make mistakes as it’s a part of learning.
- If praised, the child is more likely to try again.
- Repeat yourself. Children need to hear the same words and phrases used over and over again before they will use them.
- We can’t emphasize this enough: Talk to your child, read to your child, play with your child!
- Listen to your child and make sure you respond to them.
The information published herein is intended and strictly only for informational, educational, purposes and the same shall not be misconstrued as medical advice. If you are worried about your own health, or your child’s well being, seek immediate medical advice. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website. Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries assumes no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the information contained in this article. Further, while due care and caution has been taken to ensure that the content here is free from mistakes or omissions, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information here, and to the extent permitted by law, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries do not accept any liability or responsibility for claims, errors or omissions.
