Get Your Toddler Talking

You know the wheels are turning as you look into your child's bright eyes. Your little one happily explores the world and finds creative ways to get what they want. They eagerly point but you are anxiously awaiting those first words.

You may not know this, but everything a child experiences leading up to those first words builds a foundation.

Experiences such as sharing a look with your child in a moment of curiosity. You saying "vroom" while driving the stroller. Seeing a cow makes you say "moo!" Saying "water" as the baby splashes in the tub. All of these sounds and associated experiences lay the groundwork for words.

So, if you have laid the foundation of naming things and experiences all around your baby, why aren't they saying words yet?

It could be a number of different things, but a very common one is this: It might be time to make a shift in what you expect from your child.

You've become an expert at reading your child and knowing how to come to the rescue with amazing speed and accuracy. They don't have to ask to be picked up, get a drink, open a box, or wear the spiderman shirt instead of that boring one (obviously). You're a mind reader! You might even appease their every whim. But what you might not be doing is expecting words.

Kiddos who aren't using words yet will grunt, cry, and point until they get what they want. As parents we quickly get uncomfortable with their struggle and just give in. So how do we cross this divide?

Tips to Get Your Toddler Talking

1. One-Word Label

Pick one word that can label what your child wants.* Get face-to-face with your child. Say the word slowly and clearly.

2. Three Times is the Charm

The first time you label, it's a statement: "Ball." (this thing is a ball)

The second time it's a question: "Ball?" (like....do you want it?)

The third time, it's a celebration: "Ball!" (yah! this thing is awesome. let's play!)

3. Reward your child right after the 3rd time

This is important because attention span at this age is very short and we have only a brief window to drive home our message: "Saying words get me what I want!"

You may have noticed that this scenario DOES NOT demand a word from your child before they are rewarded. The magic happens with repeated exposure to the word and expectant pauses. (That's like how reality shows keep you hooked before the commercial break.) Most children will learn and understand a word meaning long before they begin to say it, so diligently label and wait. They will likely attempt the vowel or the first consonant of the word first. Treat this like they just scored a goal and say it again "yes, Ball!"

This article teaches just one of many techniques that an experienced speech-language pathologist will use to stimulate language. I hope this gives you the courage to stand up to your super-cute-little-one-with-mind-control-powers and get some words already!

If you think you might need professional speech therapy intervention, there's no harm in finding out! Contact Ironwood Speech Pathology at 801-678-1277 for a consultation.

*A few recommended functional first words to try: ball, open, more, up/down, in/out, on/off, all done