If your toddler is tight-lipped, here are some tips to use to get them to open up.
1. Speak Clearly
Talk to your toddler in a way that he or she can grasp every word and its meaning. If you speak a little slower and make hand gestures toward whatever it is you are describing, then your tot will be better able to pronounce different sounds.
2. Read Together
Reading is a great way to expand your toddler’s vocabulary, as well as putting emotional emphasis into their words. This is also a great way for them to learn the names of things like animals, foods, and everyday items.
3. Sing Songs
Let’s face it, everyone loves to sing. Your toddler won’t be able to resist. Sing Twinkle, Twinkle or The Itsy Bitsy Spider. They love it! This can help them connect words into sentences while having fun at the same time.
4. Repeat Things
Sometimes your little guy might just be unsure of how exactly to say a certain word. Just like when we, as adults, learn a new language. We may need the word repeated a couple of times. Well, so does your little one. Repeat it, and they will feel more confident to say it.
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5. Ask Them Questions
This encourages your toddler to speak and be heard. When you ask them a question, chances are they are going to answer you the best they can, whether it is with a hand gesture or a grunt. Eventually, they will say “no” or “yes”. Most likely, they will say “no” first.
6. Encourage Them To Say Something
Yes, we have all bribed our children to say “Mommy” or “Daddy”, so do just that….Bribe them! Say, “Say Please” or “Say Meow” or whatever the mood strikes. They like that your face lights up when they say something.
7. Play Games
Playing games is a great way to get a child involved if they are refusing to talk. Just pick something that interests them, like trucks, princesses, whatever your toddler is into.
8. Explain Things
Even if you think your little one doesn’t understand everything you are saying, they will eventually; the only way they will learn is by example. Toddlers are after all, tiny people. So talk to them like they are a little person and they will catch on. Explain cartoons or pictures, anything they are interested in.
9. Yell The Word
Toddlers love to yell! Especially when someone else is. Just yell out a word and make it funny in a way. Your toddler is bound to start copying. However, this plan may backfire in public. Beware…
10. Praise Them!
Tell your little one how good they are when they say “Please” or “Thank You”. They love to hear that they are a big boy or a big girl. Praise goes a long way!
Video: Small Talk – How To Help Your Child Develop Speech
If you like these tips, click here to find out more on how you can teach your child to “Really” Read and “Speak” all the different words and sentences in just 12 short weeks!