What Can I Do To Best Support My Child's Language Development?

There are numerous ways in which a parent or caregiver can help their child's language development. During the first few years of a child's life, their brain "absorbs" millions of pieces of information that will be necessary for them to interpret the world around them, as well as to express their thoughts and feelings. However, this is not possible if the child's language skills are not developed to the extent that they need to be.

For the sake of this topic, and to avoid confusion, we will be identifying a toddler as any baby between 0 and 12 months, while an infant is a child between 1 and 3 years. During the first 3 years of a child's life their brain undergoes a period of rapid development. It is during this time that we can see how the child's language and thinking process progresses.

The best way you can help support your child's language development is by submerging them in a rich environment that is surrounded by learning opportunities. Language “develops best in a world that is rich with sounds, sights, and consistent exposure to the speech and language of others.” (NIDCD) By exposing your child early on to these types of things, you give your child the opportunity to hear language from other individuals as well. Talking, reading, singing, and playing with your child are among the best ways that you can help support their language development. When you interact with your child in such a way it makes learning fun and they are able to absorb new words. Limiting the amount the amount of TV or screen time that your toddler gets is also a good idea. Even though TV shows may be educational and have some beneficial aspects, they lack the interaction that a child and a caregiver or parent can have. This interaction is especially valuable for infants and young toddlers. Another technique that supports a child's language development is repetition. When you repeat what you have said or what your child has said, it gives them a chance to hear it again ,but it also teaches them the correct way of saying things.

Outside resources:

https://www.parents.com/baby/development/talking/9-ways-to-help-your-childs-language-development/

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language