How to Encourage My Toddler’s Speech Development

“How to improve toddler speech, I’m worried that my son is not on the right track with words” 

You need to remember that each child develops at a different pace. Some children are early chatters whereas others need a bit more time to speak. If you are worried, discuss it with your son’s doctor.  

Typically, children start babbling around 6 months of age. By the time they are 12 months they start saying single words (e.g., “dada“, “dog“, “water“), and around 24 months they start to put very simple sentences together (e.g., “more water”, “mummy more”). 

Things you can do to encourage him to speak: 

• Talk, talk, talk. Talk to him about what you are doing, the things you see when you are at the park, or what other people around you are doing. Describe what you are doing while you are out and about, while you give him a bath, get him dressed and prepare his breakfast.  

• Read to him. Read to him and point to the pictures while you do it.  

• Give him choices. For example, ask him if he prefers a banana or a yoghurt while you hold both in your hands.  

• Sing and listen to children’s songs and lullabies. Those that have actions are particularly good, for example: “Row, row, row your boat”, “Pat-a-cake”, and “Incy, wincy spider”.  

• Play. Hide one of his toys and encourage him to find it, saying things like: “Where is your train?”, “Here is the train! You found it!”. Play hide and seek and use the opportunity to name places where he can be: “Where is Jamie? Is he under the table? Behind the sofa? In the closet?”. Or play with his toys and mention their names, colours, and shapes.  

• Add one word to what your child says. For example, when your child says “Car”, you say “Yes, that is a blue car”.  

• Praise him whenever he says a new word or a new sentence.  

• Do not critize him or tell him off for getting the wrong word.  

• Get your child’s attention by saying their name at the start of a sentence. When you ask them a question, give them plenty of time to answer.  

I hope you find this information useful. I wish you and your little one all the very best.  

Love,  

Ana 

Dr Ana Aznar