How to Encourage Language Development
Your little one is listening to everything you say and storing it away at an incredible rate. Instead of using "baby" words, use the correct names for people, places, and things. Speak slowly and clearly, and keep it simple.
Your 1-year-old might still be communicating with gestures such as pointing at pictures or at something he or she wants. Gestures will get more elaborate over this year as toddlers use them to imitate actions, express themselves, and play.
Gestures are an important part of language development. Make the connection between gestures and language by using a running commentary such as, "Do you want a drink?" (when your child points to the refrigerator), then wait for a response. Then say, "What do you want? Milk? OK, let's get some milk." Such behavior encourages kids to respond and participate in conversations.
Your child will probably enjoy gesture games, like pat-a-cake and so-big, and identifying things, such as body parts, pictures, or objects, and familiar people: "Where's your ear?", "Show me the ball" and "Where is Mommy?"
Your child's vocabulary will grow quickly, but pronunciation isn't likely to keep pace. By 2 years of age, most kids are understandable only about half the time. But emphasize the correct pronunciations in your responses.
Should I Be Concerned?
Most children meet these language milestones during this period:
- saying several words by 15-18 months of age
- pointing to familiar people, objects, and some body parts by 18 months
- saying 50 or more words by 2 years of age
- putting two words together to form a sentence by age 2
- following two-step commands by age 2
Don't hesitate to report any concerns you have to your doctor, especially if you feel your child is not talking or you have concerns about hearing.
Some parents worry that a toddler who is not speaking may have autism. Children with autism and related conditions may have delayed speech or other problems with communication, but poor social interactions and limited or restricted interests or patterns of behavior are also hallmarks of the disorder.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's development, talk with your doctor.
Date reviewed: August 2014