Toddlers start talking around the age of two. They\u2019ll start with single words like doggie and then move on to simple sentences at around three years.<\/p>\n
This is when she can carry on a fairly understandable conversation with other people.<\/p>\n
But not all toddlers develop at the same pace. If your toddler seems to be lagging behind, it\u2019s definitely a good idea to talk to your paediatrician.<\/p>\n
But in most cases, they just need a little more time to learn how to communicate with words.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, there is plenty you can do to help them talk. Read on to learn on\u00a0how to encourage your toddler to talk<\/em>.<\/p>\n Toddlers understand one thing better than anything else \u2013 play. It\u2019s why even something like convincing them to eat their dinner works best when you turn it into a game.<\/p>\n Trying to teach your child to talk will be frustrating for both you and your kid.<\/p>\n The thing is, toddlers love to talk even if they still can\u2019t do it fully. They have been taking in information the last couple of years and are also discovering new feeling and emotions.<\/p>\n So the inability to express themselves properly is just as frustrating for them. It\u2019s one of the reasons behind temper tantrums around the age of two.<\/p>\n The best way to help them learn how to communicate is through fun interactive activities.<\/p>\n Here are a few ideas.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the best way to help your toddler talk is to actually talk to them.<\/p>\n Kids learn a lot through observation and interaction. When you talk to them, they\u2019ll quickly learn to talk to you as well.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t use baby talk. Talk to them as you would any other person, even if you don\u2019t think they can understand what you are saying.<\/p>\n Take every opportunity to make normal conversation.<\/p>\n Describe what you are doing, point out objects in the room, talk about the sky and trees or just tell them how your day went.<\/p>\n If they can talk a bit, be interested in what they have to say. Look at the face as they talk and answer their questions with all seriousness.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t focus on their pronunciation or correct use of words. What matters is what they are saying.<\/p>\n Asking a toddler questions can spur them to talk more.<\/p>\n Think up open-ended questions such as \u2018where do you think the sun comes from?\u2019 They don\u2019t have to know the answer.<\/p>\n The point is to encourage them to talk.<\/p>\n Show interest in their answer, no matter how ridiculous it might be.<\/p>\n You can also ask questions based on what they are doing. For example, \u2018where is your car going?\u2019 or \u2018what does your dinosaur eat?\u2019<\/p>\n Such question on things they are interested in might draw more words out of them.<\/p>\n Even if your child is just saying single words, respond to them. This will encourage them to speak up more.<\/p>\n If for instance they say \u2018cup\u2019<\/em>, say, \u2018that\u2019s right, that\u2019s a cup\u2019<\/em>.<\/p>\n Keep going and add something like, \u2018we use it to drink milk.\u2019 This gives them new words that they can connect to a word they already know. You are essentially building their vocabulary.<\/p>\n Soon, they\u2019ll be able to go from single words to short phrases.<\/p>\nPlay don\u2019t teach<\/h2>\n
1. Have frequent conversations<\/h3>\n
2. Ask them questions<\/h3>\n
3. Give feedback<\/h3>\n
Other tips<\/h2>\n