Language development is an essential part of a child’s overall growth and development. It enables kids to express their thoughts, needs and emotions effectively. Toddlers who have good language skills are better equipped to interact with others and develop relationships. It can be concerning when your toddler isn’t talking as much as other children her age. However, every child develops at her own pace, and there’s no need to panic if your little one is taking a bit longer to start talking. In fact, there are many things you can do to encourage your child’s speech and language development. Here are some tips and advice for parents of toddlers who won’t talk.
What’s normal?
Try not to compare your child to his peers. Every child develops at his own pace. “Comparing is always hard because there’s such a wide range with kids’ development,” says Stephanie Loux, mom of three. “Being part of a mom’s group is helpful to see what peers are doing, and talking with other moms is helpful.” While some toddlers may start talking as early as 12 months, others may not say their first words until they are closer to 2 years old. In general, most toddlers will have a vocabulary of around 50 words by the time they are 20-24 months old. By the time they are 3 years old, they should be able to combine words into short phrases and sentences. If your child falls within this range, then his speech development is likely on track.
Encourage speech development
If your toddler is not yet talking, there are a few things you can do to encourage his speech and language development. Make sure to talk to him often. Narrate your day as you go about your activities, describing what you’re doing and asking questions. This will expose your child to a wide range of vocabulary words and help him understand the structure of language. As you are driving, point out the blue sky, the yellow school bus or the big dog walking on the sidewalk. Use playtime as an opportunity to express feelings, describe options and actions, and talk about the world around you. Reading to your child every day is another great way to encourage speech development. Choose books with simple words and bright pictures that will capture his attention.
Next steps
If your toddler is still not speaking at the age of 2 or 3, it may be a good idea to consult with a speech therapist who can help assess your child’s speech and language development and provide techniques for you to use at home. Talk to your child’s teacher or pediatrician for a referral for an evaluation of your child’s speech. Many school districts offer free testing for preschool-age children.
It’s also a good idea to get your child’s hearing and vision screened. Hearing impairment can be a barrier for language development and the ability to imitate sounds. Vision impairment can make it hard for a child to see the world around her, which can interfere with language development.
In the meantime, there are some simple speech therapy techniques you can incorporate into your daily routine. For example, encourage your child to imitate actions and sounds, such as animal noises or simple actions like clapping or waving. You can also try playing games that involve using words, such as Simon Says or I Spy, or teaching her simple sign language. These activities can be fun for your child while also helping her develop her speech.
Know the signs of a speech delay
Though every child develops at his own pace, there are signs that may indicate a possible speech delay. If your toddler is not babbling by 12 months old or has a limited vocabulary of words by the age of 2, it may be worth consulting with your pediatrician. Other signs to watch for include difficulty understanding simple instructions and trouble communicating basic needs and wants. In these cases, early intervention is key, and seeking help from a professional can greatly benefit your child’s development.
It’s natural to be concerned if your toddler isn’t talking as much as his peers. You know your child best, and if you feel there is a problem, it never hurts to have your child evaluated by a professional for guidance and support. “Trusting your gut and seeing your pediatrician or asking for a second opinion is the best way to be an advocate for your child,” says Loux. With patience, consistency and love, you can help your toddler become a confident and expressive communicator. Remember to enjoy this special stage of development and celebrate all the milestones along the way.
Incorporating Language into Play
Toddlers are at a crucial age for language development. During this stage, children learn to communicate using words and sentences, which sets the foundation for their future language skills. As a parent, you have an essential role in facilitating your child’s language learning through play. Incorporating language into play is an effective way to engage toddlers and helps them develop their communication skills.
- Narrate your actions. As you play with your toddler, describe what you are doing in simple words. For example, “I am building a tower with blocks.” This allows children to associate words with actions and objects, which helps in building their vocabulary.
- Use open-ended questions. Instead of asking yes or no questions, ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to use words and phrases. For example, “What color should we paint the sky?” This encourages creativity and language development.
- Sing songs and rhymes. Music is a great way to introduce language into play. Singing songs and using nursery rhymes not only helps children develop listening skills but also introduces them to new words and phrases.
- Play pretend. Pretend play can be an excellent opportunity to incorporate language into play. Encourage your child to use words and phrases as she engages in imaginative play. For example, if your child is pretending to cook, ask her what ingredients she is using or what she is making.
- Read together. Reading with your toddler is an effective way to introduce language into play. Choose books with simple and repetitive phrases, and encourage your child to point to objects and name them as you read.
- Use everyday interactions. Simple activities like grocery shopping or going for a walk can also be used to incorporate language into play with toddlers. Point out and name objects as you engage in these daily tasks, which helps expand your child’s vocabulary.
Be patient and supportive. Every child develops at his own pace, so it is essential to be patient and supportive as your toddler learns to communicate. Reinforce his efforts and continue incorporating language into play in a fun and relaxed manner. You will both have fun along the way.
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart/