Lenora Edwards
2 min
Updated: Oct 11, 2023
Parents have a lot of questions regarding their children's language development in the first years: does it happen on its own, or do you need to help your child to say their first words? Join us in the new episode of Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast, where we discuss how children learn the language, what you can do to support that language development, and some very practical tips for you as you go about your everyday life with your child.
Listen to the podcast using the player below:
It is very important to offer the language and talk to your children in the first years because this is how they learn: through social observation.
Receptive language develops much faster than expressive language: even though children can't say as much as they would like to say, for all that you're probably talking to them, they are still understanding it.
It is also important to provide children with opportunities to observe their parents and caregivers talking to other adults and to get them exposed to all of those different kinds of conversations. Children need to socially understand how to maneuver through talking to a peer versus talking to an adult versus talking to a sibling.
Support your child's language development
So what parents and caregivers can do to give infants and toddlers a solid start in communicating with others? They can follow tips on how to support your child through exposure to natural conversations and observing others as well as being a part of complex conversations, for example:
keep talking to your children, and sing with them;
when you're reading stories, use voices & point to items;
make sure that they can see your face when you speak to them, be expressive with your face;
as you're talking, be playful, make it fun, make it entertaining, and keep everyone as happy and engaged as possible.
And if you have any questions or concerns, whereas with your child's language skills or early intervention, get started with Better Speech, and we will offer you as much guidance as possible.
About the Author
Lenora Edwards
I am ASHA Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist and Chief Knowledge Officer with Better Speech. Since obtaining my CCC’s in 2010, I have worked with individuals of all ages from little ones who are learning to understand and express themselves to adults who want to improve their speaking skills and become a more fluent and effective communicator. I love to teach and educate others, in my spare time I like reading, cooking and traveling!