How to Teach your Child to Speak

There's nothing more sublime than hearing your child say "Mama" or "Dada" for the first time. After all, it's the fastest way to turn a proud parent's heart into quivering pudding. Perhaps that's why so many parents become concerned when their child misses this developmental milestone or uses only a few words after 18 months of learning. Fear not, teaching your child to speak requires little more than patience and the following tips.

Instructions

1

Don't panic. Some children wait until they are 3 or 4 years old to speak. These toddlers spend their time soaking up information and usually burst into speech like a broken dam when the time is right. An average 10- to 20-month-old child learns 10 new words a day. Therefore, even if they're not talking, they're learning, and that's why it is important to carefully monitor what you say and what they hear.

2

Keep them healthy. While this seems absurdly obvious, children need vigilant attention if they are to grow and develop at a healthy rate. A sleepy child is cranky and less willing to learn new things. A rounded diet will not only provide a child with the nutrition he needs, but chewing various textures also helps little ones learn how to better control the muscles in their mouth, which is vital for forming words. Regular check-ups with your pediatrician should include hearing tests that will identify any potential learning disabilities. Early detection is very important.

3

Fill the child's environment with stimulation. Nurseries should be bright and bursting with opportunities for exploration and learning. Consider alphabet wallpaper, mosaics containing storybook characters, and toys that spell and talk as the child interacts with them.

4

Read to your child. The importance of this step cannot be overrated. Several research studies have demonstrated that children who are read to tend to have higher IQs. Pick a story that's on your child's level and read to them with excitement and enthusiasm while pointing to the pictures and naming objects. Read throughout the day as time allows and not only at bedtime. Sleepy children (and adults) have a harder time concentrating.

5

Use flash cards and create a learning game for your child. Many cards come with pictures of common items such as fruits, animals and places. Point to the pictures and say their names clearly. Whether you can tell it or not, your child is soaking up every word.

6

TALK to your child. Speak to them at bath time, in their high chair, at the grocery store, wherever you are—talk to your child. According to Behavioral Psychology, children learn through modeling. That means they are watching and copying everything you do. So, talk to them. Speak plainly and often. Vary your tone to convey excitement, disappointment or surprise. In time, you'll find your baby has been listening all along.