Verbal communication: talk, talk and
talk some more
Your toddler likely has a couple of words they proudly say, shout, or scream on a regular basis. They may even be able to put two words together, making their wants and needs a little easier for you to understand (“Dada, up?” as a way of asking to be picked up). But their language development still has a long way to go!
- No matter how adorable, DON’T fall into the trap of using baby-talk with your little one. Your child learns so much about complex words from you, so try not to “childproof” your language. Use simple and clear words so that your child can imitate them.
Practice following directions with your child! This can be a fun and relationship-building activity:
- When your child follows directions, praise them and show how proud you are! (“Thank you for getting your shoes! You worked really hard to find them.”)
- If your child misunderstands an instruction, clarify your directions, reassure them, and continue to praise their efforts. For example, “You’re so close! I meant the blue ball over there. Can you bring it to me please?”
- Offer more detail to the words or phrases your child says. For example, if your child says “cat,” you might say, “Yes that’s a fluffy cat. What do fluffy cats say? Meow!”
- Respond to your child’s efforts to speak in a positive way. Not knowing the right words to express themselves can be so frustrating for your little one. Let them know that you are listening by maintaining eye contact and being patient.
- Though it may feel as if your toddler isn’t listening to a word you say, they are soaking up information every day about the way you act and speak. Talk to others with kindness and your child will follow your lead.
- Manners. Are. SO. Important. Everyone wants their child to be polite, and some days it may seem like your toddler doesn’t understand the words “please” and “thank you.” Keep trying! If your child says “more,” respond by asking, “more, please?” If your child doesn’t want something, such as a toy or a snack, and pushes it away, encourage them to say, “No, thank you.”
- Let your child have some alone time. Imaginary play with toys, dolls, and arts and crafts is important for your child’s growth, and sometimes that play will change when you are around. It’s their make-believe world – let them control it!
- When you do play pretend games with your child, let them take the lead.
- Have conversations frequently. You can do this at the park, at the supermarket, or even at your kitchen table. Talk about what you are doing while doing it. For example, if you are on a walk and see a puppy, tell your child, “Look, there’s a puppy on a walk just like us.”