Once kids start to talk the benefits are enormous.
It’s so much easier to know what our kids are thinking and what they are needing when they can tell us.
The more we talk to and with our kids, the more they will develop language skills. It starts from day one. Don’t change their diapers in silence. Chat. Tell your baby what you’re doing, talk about the plans for the day, but use proper words and voice.
My kids used to note that there were certain adults that spoke to them in a funny voice. They were referring to those who used a high-pitched, sing-song style for talking to kids. My kids just thought it was weird.
When we use baby talk we’re teaching our kids to use baby talk. They learn proper language by listening to all the chatter around them and mimicking what they hear. Use good grammar and speak in complete thoughts. The more they are hearing appropriate language the more they are learning how to speak properly.
Once your kids become toddlers you will find an increase in conversation. When you are talking to your little one maintain eye contact. This will help him or her to focus on the conversation and know that they have your undivided attention.
Don’t be afraid to use big words, but be ready to define any word they don’t understand. It you talk to your kids the way you speak to adults you’ll find you generally use mainstream language. Often they will just accept the word you used and figure out its meaning from the context.
Keep your messages short. Toddlers are not known for their attention span. Deliver one message and then stop. Look at them to see if they’re paying attention.
When kids are first speaking they will often use single words. So expand on the word. For example, if your daughter points and says, “truck,” you can respond, “Yes, that’s a truck. Would you like to play with it? You can run it up and down the hall.”
You’re helping her to build her vocabulary and present total ideas. It also lets her know that you understand what she’s saying. And if you get it wrong, she can correct you by saying “no” and you can work with her to get it right. So she’s learning how conversation works and how to share ideas.
When you ask a question try to phrase it so that it requires more than a yes or no response. So instead of, “Do you want me to read this book?” Say, “Do you want me to read this book or that one?” Which leads to a mention of reading. The more we read to our children the more they learn about language.
You can start reading to your kids when they are infants. Talking to them when they are young may seem weird, but if you develop the habit of reading to them right from the start they will see this as a typical and fun activity.
When you’re choosing books for toddlers select some that fit with their interests. If they love trucks, then get books about trucks. They will pay more attention to the reading but you are also supporting their interests. Involve the kids when you read them stories or nursery rhymes.
If there is a repeating term pause right before the term and let your child fill in the blank. They will love it and you will be incredibly impressed when they yell out the correct word.
When you’re out and about in the community, label things that you see and talk about them. Listen when they see something and comment and continue the conversation.
Helping kids learn language is basically a process of inviting them to participate in daily conversation. They love to be part of whatever is happening and certainly language is a big part of that.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author of Vive la Différence, Who’s In Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I’d Ever Have to Leave Home. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.
