Top 3 Tips for Encouraging Expressive Language Development in Toddlers

I recently did a pop up in Chamblee with a group of mothers of children ages 1-3. Throughout our interactions, I began to notice a common theme— many parents did not feel equipped with the strategies to promote expressive language. As parents and caregivers, we all eagerly anticipate our child's first words and the delightful conversations that follow. Encouraging expressive language development in children aged 1-3 years is crucial, but it can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters. As I discussed some strategies and the explanation behind why some intuitive actions may actually not be the most effective, they commented “nobody has ever told me that!”, “that makes so much sense!”. So I’m here to spread the word. Here are my top three tips, drawn from years of experience as a speech language pathologist, to help you foster your toddler's communication skills effectively.

1. Comments Over Questions:

While it might seem natural to ask your toddler questions to spark conversation, a key strategy is to focus more on making comments than asking questions. Aim for a 3:1 ratio—three comments for every question you ask.

Why This Works:

• Reduces Pressure: Constant questioning can make a child feel pressured to respond correctly, which might inhibit their willingness to speak.

• Models Language: Comments provide rich language models that your child can absorb and eventually mimic.

• Encourages Natural Conversation: Comments invite your child to engage in a more natural and relaxed manner.

Example: Instead of asking, "What color is this car?", you might say, "Wow, this car is blue!" Follow it up with, "Look at it go fast," and "I love cars that zoom like this!"

2. Avoid Saying "Say"

It's tempting to prompt your child with "say" when trying to teach new words, but this can lead to prompt dependency. We want children to initiate speech on their own rather than relying on prompts.

Why This Works:

Encourages Initiation: Children learn to initiate speech independently, which is crucial for their language development.

Reduces Dependency: They won't become reliant on prompts to speak, fostering more natural and spontaneous communication.

Example: Instead of saying, "Say ‘ball’," you might model the behavior when your child points to the toy by saying, "I want the ball." Your child will eventually start to imitate these phrases naturally without the need for direct prompts.

3. Practice Wait Time

Parents are often taught to model language constantly. While modeling is indeed important, providing your child with ample wait time is equally crucial. This means silently counting to ten after you've spoken to give your child the opportunity to respond on their own.

Why This Works:

Promotes Independence: Children learn to think and formulate responses independently.

Encourages Initiative: With enough wait time, children feel empowered to take the conversational lead.

Provides Processing Time: It gives children the necessary time to process what they've heard and decide how to respond.

Example: If you say, "What do you want to play with?" silently count to ten before providing any further prompts or assistance. Observe what your child does or says next, and offer support only if needed.

Putting It All Together

Implementing these strategies might take some practice and patience, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By making more comments than asking questions, avoiding the "say" prompt, and allowing ample wait time, you'll create a supportive environment that encourages your child's expressive language development.

Remember, every child develops at their own pace. Celebrate their progress, however small, and enjoy the incredible journey of watching your toddler find their voice. Happy talking!