You are your child’s first and most important communication partner. The way you talk to your child can make all the difference! The most important idea is to keep the conversation going. Here’s how:
Start with listening. Our children are trying to communicate with us! Take a few moments to look directly at your child when they are talking to you and really listen. Try to keep the conversation going back and forth between the two of you.
Repeat back what they are telling you.
Use comments that show genuine interest such as “Oh no!” or “Wow!”
Ask open questions like, “Then what happened?”
Even if your child isn’t using words yet, listen carefully to their voice and watch to see what they are interested in. Then encourage them to continue the exchange by commenting on what they are looking at with 2-3 words like “Oh! It’s a dog.”
Read to your child. Start reading to your child as a baby and keep reading long after they can read on their own.
Point to pictures, talk about what is happening, and enjoy the book with your child. Pause to give your child time to copy you!
When your child can read on their own, KEEP READING out loud to them from books that are too hard for them to read themselves. Choose books that they like and enjoy reading them together.
Talk about what you're reading, listen to your child’s ideas and help them take turns in a conversation about the book.
Use everyday situations. To build on your child's speech and language, talk your way through the day. Name foods at the grocery store, explain what you're doing as you cook a meal or clean a room, and point out objects around the house.
Talk about what your child is looking at.
Respond to your child when they point at something or use their voice to get your attention.
Talk to them about feelings they are having.
Recognizing and treating speech and language delays early on is the best approach. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech or language development, talk to a Speech-Language Pathologist.