Talk, Talk, Talk!
Talking to your baby may seem odd at first, but it’s crucial. Infants are like sponges. Describe what you’re doing throughout the day. Saying, ‘I’m making your bottle now,’ helps them learn words. They won’t understand everything right away, but every bit helps. My son used to giggle whenever I said ‘diaper change time!’ His laughter was proof that he loved hearing my voice.
Sing and Play
Singing songs and playing games are fantastic for language development. Nursery rhymes are repetitive, which helps toddlers remember words. Playing peek-a-boo encourages them to say ‘boo.’ Don’t worry about your singing voice; your baby thinks you sound great. I once caught my husband trying to out-sing our musical toys. The baby loved it, though!
Read, Read, Read!
Reading to your child every day fosters a love of books and language. Choose colorful, simple books. Point to pictures and name them. This interactive time builds vocabulary and comprehension. I remember the days when we’d read ‘Goodnight Moon’ so many times that I could recite it in my sleep. Yet, each time, my daughter found it as thrilling as the first!
Limit Screen Time
Limiting screen time is crucial. Watching TV or playing with tablets can hinder language development. Try to engage them in real-world activities instead.
Create a crafts corner or go on a nature walk. My friend learned this the hard way when her son said more TV show slogans than real words. Balance is key!
Join the Conversation
Engaging in two-way conversations with your toddler is essential. Ask questions and patiently await their responses. Even baby babble is vital practice. They might not use real words initially, but they are practicing. I always asked my kids for their opinion on dinner choices, and the babbled ‘omo nomo nom’ was their version of ‘yum!’
Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. Did they say ‘mama’ or ‘dada’? Clap and cheer. Positive reinforcement encourages them to keep trying. Keep a journal of new words and celebrate often. My refrigerator once looked like a language milestone shrine with sticky notes of new words. Each one was a victory!