Children learn to talk through thousands of small, everyday interactions. You do not need special materials — the routines you already share are some of the best opportunities for language.
Follow Your Child's Lead
Notice what your child is interested in and talk about that. A child is more likely to listen and respond when the words match what they are already looking at or playing with.
Strategies That Help
- Get face to face. Sitting at your child's level lets them see your mouth and expressions.
- Narrate what you do. "Pouring the milk… stirring… all done!" gives words to real actions.
- Add one word. If your child says "ball", you might say "big ball" or "throw ball".
- Pause and wait. Leave a few seconds of silence after a question — many children need more time to respond than adults expect.
- Offer choices. "Apple or banana?" models both words and invites a reply.
Routines Full of Language
Bath time, meals, getting dressed and short walks repeat every day, so your child hears the same words in the same context again and again. That repetition is how new words become familiar.
What to Avoid
Try not to insist that your child repeat words on demand. Pressure can make talking feel stressful. Keep interactions playful and reward any attempt to communicate, including gestures and sounds.
When to Seek Guidance
If your child is using very few words for their age, is not combining words, or you are concerned about their understanding, a speech and language assessment can clarify how they are developing and what support may help.