As parents, we all are aware about the two of the most important things we eagerly wait for! It is the wait to see your baby take their first steps and to speak their first words. While it is true that your little one will naturally learn the knack of speaking, there are few things that you as a parent can do too, to help your baby learn the language quickly! In fact, there have been researches and studies that have proven that there are certain things that parents can do to make the communication easier. If you want to know some of the tips that can help your baby talk, read our blog below!
Learn the concept of language expansion:
This is probably one of the most effective tips that can help your little one get a better knack and understanding of the language and learn some complex words as well. Language expansion is a technique where parents need to re-word what the child is trying to communicate to them. Children tend to speak incomplete or short sentences of words. As parents you must try to complete your baby’s words. For example, your little one says “Parrot tree” you need to use the language expansion technique by saying “A parrot is on the tree”
Learn to extend the communication each time your baby says a word or an incomplete sentence.
Listen to your child:
While communicating is important, it is also equally important that you patiently hear what your baby says. Pay attention to what he or she speaks. When you pay attention to what your baby babbles, speaks or sings, it makes them feel that these are important things and thus you help in sustaining their interest in talking!
Avoid baby talk:
While it may sound funny and cute, you must know that you need to avoid the baby talk as much as you can when helping your baby learn the language. Avoiding this is crucial for the linguistic development of your baby. It is okay for your little one to not pronounce the word correctly, however make sure that you try and teach him or her the correct pronunciation.
Try singing:
You can try singing to your baby or use melody or facial expressions when talking to your baby. This seems quite fascinating and will increase your child’s interest in learning new things. This also enables more opportunities to help your baby learn and speak.
Limit his or her screen time:
You must know that while television can be a source of entertainment it may not necessarily help in teaching language. Cartoons or kid shows can only help in teaching different concepts but not improve communication skills. This is so because television or an iPad is not an interactive medium and hence it is crucial that you limit the screen time. Also watching a lot of television or playing games on iPads or mobile phones isn’t healthy for your baby’s vision.
We hope these few tips help in aiding your baby in speaking sooner.
(Note: Mother Nurture only provides recommendations based on best practice that a parent should follow. These recommendations should always be discussed with your doctor or pediatrician. It is always best to follow your doctors/pediatrician orders. Please contact your doctor or emergency services, in case of emergency or if your child is unwell or not responding well to recommendations provided.)
