I get a lot of concerned parents asking for help with their toddler or preschool child's talking. Here are some tips for helping children who are not talking or late with their talking.
Keep your own speech short and simple.
Try to use language that is about the same level or just a bit above the level your child is at. If they are not using any words, only babbling, just use single words when you talk to them.
If your child is using single words, then use single words and short phrases e.g.
car gone
daddy running
Use a lot of repetition so that the child hears the same words over and over e.g.
throw ball
ball gone
Join in with what they are doing and talk about what is most interesting to them at that moment. Comment on what they are looking at or playing with e.g.
ball
kicking ball
Interpret what the child is saying using context e.g.
You’re hungry?
Your turn!
Encourage the child to talk by giving them choices throughout the day e.g.
squash or milk
banana or apple?
Listen to what your child is saying rather than how they are saying it.
At this stage it is fine if your child's words don't sound quite right. They are still learning. Reinforce what they say by repeating it, but correctly e.g.
Child: tat
Adult: yes, cat
Listen to what they are saying and add a little bit extra e.g.
Child: lion
Adult: Yes, lion's sleeping
Use gestures to help your child understand what you are telling them. For example, mime actions when you use action words, use pointing to show direction, use gestures to show size and position such as "big", "small", "on", "in" and "under".
Make it fun! Children will learn when they find it interesting and are enjoying themselves.
This useful NHS video explains all this and more:
If you are concerned about your child's talking, please contact me for a free discussion about how I can help.
