Parenting advice abounds in the form of books, blogs, and internet resources. The amount of information about childhood language development can be overwhelming. However, a few simple parenting resources exist that can aid parents in navigating the uncertain waters of baby and toddler language development.
The Basics of Early Childhood Development
Although language development begins in the womb (Stamm, 2007) and nonverbal communication develops before the first year (Shelov, 2005), most children will begin using words and explanations, such as "mama," "dada," "uh-oh," "no," and "bye-bye," between twelve and eighteen months. It is also normal for children to begin using words as late as eighteen months.
Parenting Tips for Encouraging Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
The following activities can be used for play and bonding between parent and child. Parents should not spend more that five to ten minutes on any one activity. Although stimulation and parent-child interaction are a positive thing, babies and toddlers should also have plenty of "downtime" to rest, process, and develop independence.
Find the Baby Belly
- The parent points to a body part, like the belly button or nose, then asks the toddler to point to it.
- Use a stuffed animal or favorite doll to play the game, identifying their parts together.
- The parent takes the baby's hand and runs it gently over her mouth, hair, eyes, and nose, talking about what she is doing, then repeats, running her hand over the baby's face.
- The parent repeats any sounds the baby makes, responding enthusiastically with attention, smiles, and laughter.
- The parent bounces or sways the baby in rhythm to repeated phrases and sounds.
- The parent recites nursery rhymes during play. They have a sound and rhythm that appeals to babies.
- As the child begins learning to point at objects, the parent reverses the game by pointing to objects and asking, "What's that?"
- The parent hides behind a blanket and asks, "Where's the baby?" Then the parent lowers the blanket and says, "There he is!"
- Vary the game by changing the subject, using people or objects familiar to the baby.
Musical Play With Baby
- The parent acts out the words to popular children's songs, for example “I’m a Little Tea Pot” or “Wheels on the Bus."
- The parent makes up songs about the child and/or about daily routines.
If parents are concerned about their child's verbal or nonverbal communication, or physical, mental, or emotional development, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has a checklist of developmental milestones, and the KidsHealth website has an informative article, "Delayed Speech or Language Development."
Any concerns that parents may have about their child's language development should be discussed with a pediatrician or family physician. Help for parents and children can come in a variety of forms, including state and local Early Intervention Programs (EIP).
None of these parenting resources should replace the advice of a licensed, practicing physician.
References:
Stamm, J. Bright From the Start: The Simple, Science-Backed Way to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind From Birth to Age Three. New York, New York: Gotham Press, 2007.
Shelov, S., M.D. Your Baby's First Year, 2nd ed. The American Academy of Pediatrics, New York, New York: Bantham Books, 2005.
Sandra Raymond - Sandra Raymond is a writer, teacher, and new mom living in Flagstaff, Arizona. She has an MA in Literature and a Doctorate in Education ...
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