5 June 2018
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog

Speech is a skill that is developed slowly over time. In order for your child to develop the language skills that they need later in life, you are going to need to make sure that you are giving your child the right language encouragement.

#1 Acknowledge Your Child's Sounds

When your child makes a sound, even if it is not a real word, make sure that you acknowledge your child. Look at your child and make eye contact with your child. Let your child know that you heard them.

Respond to the sounds that your baby makes. You can repeat the sounds that your baby makes back to them. You can also just respond to their sounds as if they are saying real words to you. Have a pretend conversation with your child.

#2 Respond to Faces

Learning to speak is not just about making sounds; it is also about reading facial expressions. When your baby makes faces or laughs, respond to your baby. Make the same face back at your baby. Show your baby that you see their face and respond in a like manner to your baby.

#3 Talk to Your Child as You Take Care of Them

As you take care of your child, talk to your child. The more words your child hears, the better. For example, as you feed your baby or give them a bath, talk to your baby and tell them what you are doing and what you will be doing. Label and identify the activities that you do together.

If you go somewhere, tell your child that you are going to the store. Let your child know that you are driving. When you are in the store, point things out to your child. Talk to your child as much as possible and identify the world around them.

It may feel silly, especially when your child is a baby, but your child is constantly absorbing information, regardless of if they respond to you.

#4 Be Conscious with Your Words

Make sure that you are talking about things that your baby needs to learn. Point out and identify colors to your child. Point out and identify shapes. When you hear a sound, such as an animal, be sure to let your baby know what animal made the sound. Work on labeling and identifying important colors, shapes, and sounds in your child's world.

The more you speak with your child, the easier it is going to be for your child to develop the necessary speaking skills. Respond to your child when they make sounds and faces, and look at your child when you talk to them. This will help your child develop the skills they need to become verbal.  

If you would like more information about improving speaking skills, contact a clinic like Eastern Carolina Ear Nose & Throat-Head.