7 Easy Ways To Get Your Toddler To Start Talking

There are several developmental milestones to look forward to as your child enters toddlerhood, including walking and talking. There is nothing more exciting than hearing your child’s first words. However, it can be worrisome for parents if their toddler is not on track or hasn’t yet started talking when they are supposed to. Worried parents frequently ask, “How can I get my toddler to start talking?” 

It will take time and a little effort to get your little one talking; you must be patient and persistent. Here are some pointers for encouraging your toddler to talk.

Easy Ways To Get Your Toddler To Start Talking

 1. Make conversational opportunities:

You may urge your toddler to communicate in various ways by providing opportunities for conversation. These changes typically present themselves when your youngster wants something.

• You may start the process by putting a beloved toy out of range. Allow your youngster to ask for it once they have seen it. If your child starts pointing instead of talking, for example, ask them questions like, “Do you want the green car or the yellow teddy?” They will learn how to ask for assistance using their speaking and communication abilities as a result.

• Another strategy is to anticipate what your child may want and again, put it out of reach. Wait till they ask if they wish to have ice cream if it’s time for a snack.

2. Halt briefly during a well-known song 

This concept is only another approach to experiment with the expectant pause.

• Songs like “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall” are effective for this; pause before “together again” to hear if your child would say it.

• Sing the first few notes of “Old McDonald” and then utilize the expectant pause to see whether your toddler will make the animal noise or call out the animal name.

3. Develop language abilities

You should always concentrate on moving your toddler’s language development up a level. Avoid both going back and trying to teach your child something that is overly hard in an attempt to skip ahead.

• Many toddlers converse or express themselves in a few words. Your goal is to progressively expand their vocabulary.

• Always follow your child’s lead when doing this and pay attention to what they say. Moving on to something too difficult won’t keep them interested or motivated to even try. The most effective method of learning is to have fun, always.

4. Don’t anticipate their every need

It’s satisfying to know precisely what your kid needs, but consider this: Why would he/she need to talk if you know what is needed before they ask? Even if you are aware of his requirements and wants, strive to appear bewildered to get a response from them. 

5. Replicate

Use the cues your toddler is providing you and mimic whatever they are attempting to say. When babies babble, you do something similar. You mimic their speech patterns and noises to let them know you are paying attention. Your toddler will then start to mimic you and your speech, developing their language skills in the process.

6. Using sabotage in speech therapy

You can encourage your child to speak using the sabotage method. Okay, maybe the word “sabotage” sounds awful, but it just involves creating several scenarios around the house where you are aware that your child will have to talk to request your assistance.

• Instances include keeping a child’s favourite item in sight but out of reach so they must ask you for assistance OR place them in the bath, “forgetting” to add the toys until he/she inquires. Perhaps begin to eat one of their favourite foods in front of them and wait to share until he initiates communication.

7. Keep it simple 

Toddlers who haven’t yet started talking learn and understand best when you use one or two-word phrases. For example instead of saying “Look at this ball” say things like “play ball” or “roll ball” and do the action while saying it. Toddlers are more likely to imitate you if you keep the language simpler.