Encouraging kids to talk will not only develop their communication skills but also allow parents to be informed about the happenings in their kids' lives. Here are five ways to help toddlers start talking and engage them in conversation.
1. Avoid Baby Talk
Baby talking toddlers prevents them from learning how to talk. Not only will this propose the wrong way to speak, kids will start adapting improper communication skills.
Parents should talk to their kids in a regular and authentic voice just as how they would talk to a regular person. The more kids hear language spoken properly, the sooner will they be able to learn and try to speak it.
2. Ask About Their Day
For nearly every toddler, every day is an adventure so ask about the day's events to get them talking. Ask questions that require more than a yes or no response to engage in a two-way conversation both the parent and child will surely enjoy.
3. Play Word Games
Talking becomes a lot more appealing when made into a game. Younger kids will enjoy a guessing game especially when they start to learn the names of a few objects.
This will also make for a great learning experience by introducing new objects and how it functions. In addition, the game can help battle boredom when waiting at their airport or the doctor's clinic, according to Baby Center.
4. Read Books
Books are a great way for kids to learn about new words and stories. While screen time may be more convenient, books encourage letters, colors and new vocabulary that many TV programs cannot offer.
At times, kids would want to ditch the normal way of reading books like staying on one page for five minutes. Allow reading to be led by your child as a way to encourage a love for books and use the language they get from them.
5. Relax And Be Patient
Many parents worry that they are not creating the ideal environment to encourage their kids to talk and communicate. Relax, be patient as a kid's verbal skills do not emerge overnight, according to Janet Lansbury.
