The way you communicate has a lot to do with your toddler's development.
Toddlers need face-to-face interaction with people who are interested in talking with them if they’re going to develop good communication skills.
It’s not enough to plop them down in front of the TV and hope that they’re going to learn some words.
You, and other caregivers, are going to need to spend that one-on-one time to ensure that your toddler’s development progresses in the right direction.
Here are some ideas for strengthening the communication skills of your toddler…
- Read to your toddler. Not just once a day, but 2 to 3 times a day. Yes, it seems like a lot, but really it’s not. A few minute here and there and you’ve done it. Really great for helping you bond with your little one, and for your toddler to bond with you.
You can read signs that you see with your toddler, read the labels off of the foods you’re eating, read books together, read mail that comes in, or read shopping lists that you’ve made.
- Know your toddler’s attention span. If your child doesn’t know what you’re talking about (because you’re talking about politics, or what it was like when they were born) your child will lose interest because she can’t relate. Instead, talk to your child about things that are going on right in front of her so she can stay connected.
It might seem boring to you, but remember, your little one has never seen or heard of most of the things she’s experiencing in her life. Treat it like the amazing thing that it is and celebrate all her new discoveries by talking with her about them.
Ready for more great tips about toddler development and communication skills?
Click through to the full article and you’ll learn:
- What you can do for toddlers under 18 months of age…
- Why you shouldn’t stop yourself from using words that your child won’t know…
- Why it’s a mistake to try to distract your toddler and get him interested in something else…
- And other ways to interact with your toddler without using videos and TV.
Advice From Parents: What are your favorite ways to focus on your toddler’s development?
Talk Trumps TV For Child Development [Times Columnist]
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