The first word your child says is a milestone that many mums will remember for a long time, but while random words might come to them at a young age, talking can take a little bit longer.

 

Talk to them properly

While some mums love talking to their little one using baby talk, the sooner your little one hears words being spoken properly the easier they will be able to pick it up. While you will need to speak a little less formally and slower than you would an adult, there is no need to use baby talk.

 

Actions speak louder than words

When you are speaking to your toddler, try to talk about things that are relevant and that they are interested in. For instance, saying things like that rattle is very loud is something that your little one can relate to, hear and feel.

 

Read books to them

One of the best ways to encourage your child to talk is to read to them. And not just reading the words on the page, talk about what’s going on and engage your little one in the story. Not only is it  encouraging the bond between you and your little one, but you are introducing them to new words and associating those new words to things.  

 

Encourage their babbling

When your little one starts pointing at things and babbling in their own little way, engage them in a conversation. Ask them what they are trying to tell you, ‘are you trying to tell me you are hungry?’ and encourage them to use words instead of pointing.

 

Be descriptive

You need to be as descriptive as possible to allow your child to hear as many words as possible. For instance, instead of 'would you like to play with the football?', say 'would you like to play with the big, red, bouncy ball?'. And while you are playing with it keep reiterating that it is a big, red, bouncy ball. 

61 Shares

Latest

Trending