Communication is an essential part of human interaction and a crucial skill for children to learn. As parents, you play a vital role in your child’s communication development.
Below is a guide on speech and language development and how you can help your child develop these skills.
What is speech and language development?
Speech development refers to the process of learning how to produce the sounds, intonation, and rhythm of a language.
On the other hand, language development encompasses a broader range of skills, including understanding and expressing themselves through spoken words, gestures, and body language.
When does speech and language development typically begin?
The development of speech and language typically begins at birth. Infants develop receptive language skills first, which is the ability to understand language. At around six months, babies begin to vocalize and produce sounds.
By their first birthday, most children can say a few words.
What are some developmental milestones for speech and language?
There are certain developmental milestones you can expect your child to reach as they develop their speech and language skills.
Between six and twelve months, your child may:.
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- Designate different sounds for different circumstances, like different cries for different needs
- Babble, experimenting with a range of sounds like “p,” “b,” and “m”
- Attempt to imitate sounds and words they hear frequently
Between twelve and eighteen months, your child may:.
- Begin to say simple words like “mama,” “dada,” and “bye-bye”
- Understand more words than they can say themselves
- Use gestures to communicate like pointing, nodding, or waving
Between eighteen and twenty-four months, your child may:.
- Use around 50 words, with comprehension of up to 200
- Begin to link together two-word combinations like “more juice” or “daddy work”
- Begin to ask simple questions like “what’s that?”
What are some things parents can do to support speech and language development?
As a parent, you can do many things to encourage your child’s speech and language development. Here are a few ideas:.
- Make eye contact with your child while speaking to them
- Use simple and consistent language, using words they know and introducing new ones
- Talk to your child as much as possible throughout the day, narrating what you’re doing, pointing out objects, and asking questions
- Read books together and ask your child to point to familiar objects or repeat simple phrases
- Encourage your child to communicate through gestures and facial expressions, such as nodding or waving
When should I be concerned about my child’s speech and language development?
Every child develops at their own pace, so it can be challenging to know when to be worried about your child’s speech and language development. However, there are some signs to look out for that may indicate a delay:.
- Not making eye contact or using nonverbal communication to communicate by 12 months
- Not babbling or making sounds by 12 months
- Not responding to their name by 12 months
- Not saying any words by 18 months
- Not putting two words together by 24 months
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to talk to your child’s pediatrician. Early intervention can help your child catch up on any development delays.
The Bottom Line
Speech and language development is a crucial part of your child’s overall growth and development. It’s essential to keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace, but there are milestones to look out for.
As a parent, you can support your child’s speech and language development by talking to them as much as possible, using simple and consistent language, and encouraging communication through gestures and facial expressions. Remember, if you’re concerned about your child’s development, it’s essential to talk to their pediatrician.
