How to Support Your Child's Language Development

If you observe and listen to your baby, you'll begin to understand his baby talk. Repeat back to him what you think he's expressing. Use simple sentences to talk about what you're doing or what he may be feeling. Never pressure your child to speak; language development happens naturally and at different stages for each child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Children's Books

1. Listen to your baby. Observe him. You'll begin to understand the meaning behind his baby talk, when he says things like "ba" or "ga."
2. React with interest at what your baby is trying to say.
3. Encourage his budding use of language by repeating back to him what you think he's trying to express: "Ball. You see a ball." Or, "Girl. There's a girl."
4. Use simple sentences when you talk to your baby: "I'm cooking dinner." Or, "Do you want to go to the park?" Talk to him about things that are happening so that you can connect the word with the event.
5. Reflect out loud about what your child might be feeling - "You look sad because Grandpa went home" - so that he can connect the feeling with the event and learn to verbalize his feelings.
6. Listen to your child when he expresses his feelings, even if his fears seem irrational or his sadness inappropriate. He'll feel more accepted and loved. Hopefully, when he can talk, he'll be comfortable talking to you about his feelings.

Tips & Warnings

• Children learn to talk in an average household where people speak to one another. It's not necessary to "teach" your baby to speak using flash cards and other learning tools. Forcing a young child to learn before he is ready can damage his natural delight in the learning experience.
• Read to your baby. You'll not only enhance his grasp of language, you'll also sow the seeds of his future enjoyment of reading. (Note that the difference between teaching and reading to a child is that when read to, he isn't expected or forced to absorb information.)
• Remember that Einstein didn't speak until he was three. Let your baby progress at his own rate.