How do toddlers communicate

But even before kids figure out how to point to something they want, they communicate with us in other ways. This encourages them to begin intentionally communicating their needs, through things like pointing and body language and making more sounds.

One of the most interesting things about the development of language in children is that it is closely related to play. The time period when kids begin producing their first words, usually around 12 to 13 months, is also the same time that symbolic play evolves. By symbolic play I mean something like a child holding a banana to her ear and pretending that it is a phone.

Developmentally speaking, it makes sense that these two things would occur at the same time because children must first learn to think symbolically in order to use language, since language is symbolic a word represents an object, for example. So when you join your child in imaginative play, you are actually encouraging and helping to expand her new capacity to represent things mentally and symbolically.

There are lots of ways parents can create opportunities that encourage kids to practice their communication skills. A favorite is putting things just out of reach. For example instead of handing your son a granola bar that you know he wants, let him see it slightly out of reach and wait for him to ask for it in some way. How you arrange things in your home can create lots of opportunities for talking.

Walk around the house and notice where the books and toys are. Maybe put the more desirable toys a little higher up but still within eye-level. Similarly, you can try giving kids only part of a puzzle or Mr. Potato Head toy. Let them ask you for the other pieces they need. Another fun way to get kids communicating is to pretend to be forgetful.

During a routine that you and your daughter have established — for example getting dressed — you can forget to put her socks on before her shoes. With your help, your child will start learning how to use words to communicate better.

Then you can make a comment or ask a question, and give your child time to respond. Then wait and see how your child responds. This is about waiting to hear what your child says, rather than trying to put words into her mouth.

Yes, there it goes! Simple and meaningful interactions like these encourage your child to talk more and use more words. They also help your child learn about the pattern of conversations. The more interest he has in the book, the more attentive and enjoyable your time together will be. And reading with your child teaches more than literacy and language skills. He is learning that you value his interests and choices, and that you love him and enjoy being close to him.

This helps your child connect words with objects and actions. Rubber Ducky is having a bath too. She has long hair. Are there any tangles? Ask your child questions about her day. Once she can speak, encourage her to ask you things too. It may feel safer to talk about how Teddy Bear is afraid of the dark, than how the child is.

Pretend play is also a chance to take on different roles and to act out what different people might say, think or do. This develops language as well as social skills like empathy.

You can ask an older child to repeat the request to make sure he heard and understood the communication. Your child is watching you very carefully. If you talk to others with kindness and respect, she will likely follow your lead and take on your manner and tone as she becomes more verbal.

And, when you expect this kind of respectful communication from others, you are modeling how she should expect to be treated by others as well. Dual Language Development: Double the Benefit. Activities for Bonding and Learning from Birth to 12 Months. Try these fun games and activities with your children and watch how their eagerness to learn and their relationship with you grow!

Babies and Their Senses. Infants and young children vary greatly in their sensitivity to feelings of comfort and discomfort, familiarity and strangeness, and the emotional context in which sensory experiences occur.