Advice History

Parents: Ask a question or write an answer

What's with the babble? Is my toddler really trying to tell me something?

Toddlers begin talking before they actually say words. There are using rhythms and cadences that mimic what they hear. It sounds like nonsense, but they are really trying to reach out and be heard.

It can be a lot of fun, and it goes by in an instant ... so make sure to get your video or voice recorder out to capture some of this great stuff.  Your kids will love looking at it later, and marvel that there was ever a time before they could talk.

What can I do to help my toddler talk?

You can engage them, and give them the big payoff of being "understood", by responding to their gibberish with a pleasant, real-world response, as if you got what they are saying:

 

"Yababybbaakubub"   "Yes, I agree. The apple sauce is delicious."

 

"Purnutbbaab"   "Oh, you are right! That fire engine is very red."

 

Also, consider that repetition, repetition, repetition is a good way to help babies learn new words and meaning.

Nursery rhymes, songs and single words are some suggestions offered in "What to Expect: The First Year."  Word association also helps them decipher words.

Does using "baby talk" help?

Some parents never speak to their child in baby talk.  It just doesn't come naturally to some parents, and many claim that their child picks up language a lot quicker that way.

In "What to Expect: The First Year"  they also recommend speaking slowly to your child so they can hear each word clearly and not rambled in long confusing jargon.

Even though my toddler can't talk yet, can he understand me?

Never underestimate what your baby understands.  They can't understand what you're saying until suddenly, they DO.

Should my child be talking by now? All of my friends kids did at his age.

Don't try to "get" your toddler to talk. So many parents freak out with late-talkers. So much of learning how to be a parent is learning how to let go and let your kid be a kid and that goes for toddlers learning to speak as well. Hang in there if you're child is having speech issues. You cannot force a child to talk! Children like all of us, do things at their own pace no matter how much you try to "teach" or "train" them.

If you're worried, though, definitely talk to your pediatrician, because while it's probably nothing, it could also be something and it's worth ruling it out for your peace of mind.