How to Teach a Child to Speak

There’s nothing more sublime than hearing your child say “Mama” or “Dada” for the first time. After all, it’s the fastest way to turn a proud parent’s heart into quivering pudding. Perhaps that’s why so many parents become concerned when their child misses this developmental milestone or uses only a few words after 18 months of learning. Teaching your child to speak requires little more than patience and the following tips.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Age-appropriate storybooks
• Flash cards

1. Don’t panic. Some children wait until they are 3 or 4 years old to speak. These toddlers spend their time soaking up information and usually burst into speech when the time is right. An average 10 to 20-month-old child learns 10 new words a day. Therefore, even if they’re not talking, they’re learning, and that’s why it is important to carefully monitor what you say and what they hear.

2. Keep them healthy. A sleepy child is cranky and less willing to learn new things. A rounded diet will provide a child with the nutrition it needs, and chewing various textures also helps little ones learn how to control the muscles in their mouth, which is vital for forming words. Regular checkups with your pediatrician should include hearing tests that will identify any potential learning disabilities.

3. Fill the child’s environment with stimulation. Nurseries should be bright and bursting with opportunities for exploration and learning. Consider alphabet wallpaper, mosaics containing storybook characters and toys that spell and talk as the child interacts with them.

4. Read to your child. The importance of this step cannot be overrated. Several research studies have demonstrated that children who are read to tend to have higher IQs. Pick a story that’s on your child’s level and read to them with excitement and enthusiasm while pointing to the pictures and naming objects. Read throughout the day as time allows and not only at bedtime. Sleepy children and adults have a harder time concentrating.

5. Use flash cards to create a learning game for your child. Many cards come with pictures of common items such as fruits, animals, and places. Point to the pictures and say their names clearly.

6. Talk to your children. Speak to them at bath time, in their high chairs, at the grocery store or wherever you are. According to Behavioral Psychology, children learn through modeling. That means they are watching and copying everything you do. Speak plainly and often. Vary your tone to convey excitement, disappointment or surprise. In time, you’ll find your baby has been listening all along.