Every child is different and just because your friend’s child started picking out words from the age of two years, don’t mean that your baby will take the same amount of time to learn those words. The time can either be lesser or more! Toddlers can be quite moody, and in every probability themselves choose the activity they like doing best! However before you think about starting to help out your baby with talking there are a few milestones you need to keep an eye out for. If your little one:
- Sits and listens to stories attentively
- Is able to comprehend simple questions like: ‘Where is your teeth?’ or ‘Where is mom?’
- Can say simple words like “ma’ or ‘dada’ and even string together 2 or more words together
- Is able to concentrate on certain activities for longer durations, then he/she is ready to go ahead with the learning process.
There are a number of things you can do to encourage your little one to start talking.
- Reading Books Together
- Talk to them everyday about the smallest of things. Or even your routine. Try to use simple language.
- Listen and repeat. Try to repeat whatever your little one says. If he/she uses one word, then try to expand that word and use another word connected to it. For example, if your baby says ‘fruit’ you can always repeat and say ‘2 fruits’ or ‘another fruit’.
- Use objects to make them learn better. You can also use objects to ask them questions and make them understand particular instructions.
Just remember, when teaching your baby anything, you need to be patient with your little one since they do tend to get irritated when adults are not able to understand them. Be patient and observant and you will do just fine!
FAQ's
Q. At what age do toddlers usually start talking?
Ans.There’s no fixed age—some toddlers speak their first words around 12 months, while others may take up to 24 months or more. Every child develops at their own pace.
Q. What signs show that my toddler is ready to start talking?
Ans.If your child listens to stories, responds to simple questions, uses basic words like "mama" or "dada," and shows focus in activities, they’re likely ready to begin speaking more.
Q. How can I encourage my child to start talking?
Ans.Talk to them often, read books together, use simple words, repeat and expand on what they say, and incorporate objects during learning to make it engaging.
Q. Why is repeating my toddler’s words important?
Ans.Repeating and expanding on their words helps improve vocabulary and shows them how words can be connected, making it easier to form sentences.
Q. Can daily conversation really help my child speak better?
Ans.Yes! Talking to your toddler daily, even about simple routines, builds familiarity with words and boosts their understanding and expression.
Q. What if my toddler gets frustrated while learning to talk?
Ans.It’s normal. Be patient and responsive. Try to understand what they’re saying and reassure them through gestures or repeating their attempts with clarity.
Q. Should I worry if my toddler is not speaking yet?
Ans.Not immediately. Children develop at different rates. However, if there’s no noticeable speech by 2 years or signs of comprehension delay, it’s good to consult a pediatrician.
