Promoting Language Development

Parents of young children often have questions about their language development.

When will my toddler talk?
How many words should he say?

Sometimes, parents of toddlers notice that their child isn't as talkative as his friends, and they wonder, "What's normal?"

Each child develops at his or her own rate. So it can be common for one two-year-old to be less talkative than another. However, it is also possible that a child who's not saying as much as his peers may have a language delay or other concern, and could benefit from professional support.

Experts suggest that by two years of age, children should be able to say at least 20 words, use two-word sentences (like, "Sammy Juice"), and understand most of what others are saying to him.

The period from two to three years of age is extremely important in terms of language development. When parents have concerns about their child's language or other aspects of his development, they are encouraged to talk to the pediatrician or other health care professional. He or she can provide appropriate information and referrals so concerns and questions can be addressed.

Regardless of whether or not a child is identified as having a speech or language disorder, there are things parents can do to support development:

Read, talk and play.
The most important way to encourage language at this age is to talk and play with your child, and view daily events such as diaper changes or trips to the store as opportunities to support language development. For example, while bathing your child, talk about the bath, the bath toys, and the way the water feels. "The water feels warm, Josh." Or, "Here comes the boat!" When you go food shopping, identify the items aloud as you select them. For example, "You love bananas. Let's put the bananas in the cart."

Encourage.
Encourage any efforts your child makes to communicate. For example, if he says "Ju" for juice, you can say, "Yes, you want the juice." When he says "Ba" for ball, you can respond, "You want the ball. Let's play with the ball!"

Seek additional support.
Your child's pediatrician can provide important information about your child's growth and development, and make appropriate referrals.

For additional information, visit:

The American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). They can help parents identify certified speech and language professionals in their area. www.asha.org
Or call 1-800-498-2071.

Copyright 2004 News For Parents.org