Encouraging language development in children at every age

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Encouraging language development in children at every age
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Encouraging language development in children at every age is one of the most valuable things you can do as a parent. From a baby’s first coos to a teenager’s complex conversations, each stage of childhood presents opportunities to nurture their communication skills. Language is the foundation for learning, self-expression, and building relationships. By using age-appropriate strategies, you can support your child’s growth and confidence in communicating with the world around them. Let’s explore simple yet effective ways to encourage language development at every stage. By Dr Maraschin, expert paediatrician.

Are you wondering how you can help your child develop their language skills? Since we know that speech and language begin at birth, there are certainly things that we as parents and caregivers can do to encourage and enhance speech and language development. What you do and how you respond to the child should ideally be tailored to his or her age.

How to encourage language development in children at different ages

Language development: Birth to 5 months

Respond to your baby’s cries. Is baby hungry, tired, in pain or simply asking for attention? Responding appropriately teaches baby that a cry will bring food, comfort or attention. Newborns also recognise important sounds in their environment and quickly learn the sound of their parents or caregiver’s voice.

ALSO READ: Why toddlers have tantrums & how to prevent them

Responding to the coos and babbling is just as important as responding to crying. In most cases this kind of interaction comes naturally to parents. Parents and caregivers talk to babies while they change nappies, cuddle and show off things in the environment. This is all crucial for language development.

Language development: 6 to 12 months

From roughly 6 months babies can recognise the basic sounds of their home language. Singing songs and playing music, repeating the sounds that they make, playing games like peek-a-boo and saying words while doing the actions encourage language and understanding. An example of this would be to wave while saying good-bye.

Language development: 12 to 18 months

This is such a fun stage for language development. Simple picture books make for wonderful stimulus. An example would be a picture book of animals. You can encourage the child to say the name of the animal and the sound it makes.

Talking about what you are doing and encouraging them to repeat after you is also a fun activity. “We are going to visit Granny.” Often the child will repeat “Granny”. Continue playing music and singing nursery rhymes and filling their world with language.

Language development: 18 to 24 months

Reading stories out loud is such a powerful tool for language and speech development. Often a child will want the same story read over and over again. This is wonderful. It encourages speech but also memory skills as well as listening skills. If your child says a single word, try to expand on that word. If baby says “dog” you can say “yes, a dog barks, woof, woof”.

ALSO READ: Common causes of speech and language delays in children

Show baby photos and point out the people – Mommy, Daddy, Granny etc depending on the terms you use in your family. I love that one of my patients referred to Granny as Glamster and Grandpa as Grumpy. The names have stuck for the rest of the grandchildren and it is so endearing. The child may also request things using a single word like “milk”. You can expand on this by saying, “Would you like some milk?”

Language development: 2 to 3 years

Talk about how your child is feeling. “Did you have a happy day at school?”. Listen to your child and look at them while they are speaking. I was in the supermarket a while ago and a little boy was desperately trying to tell his mother something. She was busy texting on her phone. Eventually the little chap began to cry and said, “Mommy you are not listening”.

Language development 2 to 3 yearsThey are really aware of being heard at this age and you need to give them time. Don’t finish their sentences for them unless they have been struggling for at least 10 seconds. Encourage storytelling and talk about the activities you are doing together. “We are putting the toys in the box”, “You are going to put on your shoes” and so on.

The Lily Rose Collection
The Lily Rose Collection

Language development: 3 years +

There are a multitude of activities which encourage language and speech after the age of three. Reading stories and listening to music teaches new vocabulary but also encourages the child to use his or her own imagination and encourages expression.

It is so important that we limit screen time. Children become fixated on these devices and they stop engaging with the world around them. There are some good education programmes available but these will never replace the benefits of one-on-one interaction.

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BabyYumYum FAQs: Encouraging Language Development in Children at Every Age

Why is language development important for children?
Strong language skills help children express themselves, understand others, and succeed in learning. Good communication abilities also support social and emotional growth.

How can I encourage language skills in infants who are not yet talking?
Speak to them often, describe your actions, sing lullabies, and respond to their babbles. Even if they can’t form words yet, hearing language supports their eventual speech development.

What can I do to boost language development in toddlers?
Name objects and actions throughout the day, read picture books together, ask simple questions, and give them time to respond. Use clear, simple language and repeat words often.

How can I support a preschooler’s language skills?
Encourage storytelling, role-play games, and conversations that allow them to use new words. Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes/no answer, helping them form sentences and ideas.

Should I correct my child’s grammar mistakes straight away?
Rather than correcting directly, model the proper form by repeating the phrase correctly. This gentle approach allows them to learn naturally without feeling discouraged.

The Lily Rose Collection
The Lily Rose Collection

How often should I read to my child?
Reading daily is ideal. Even a short, regular reading session helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills at any age.

Can everyday activities help with language development?
Yes, everyday routines like shopping, cooking, or going for a walk are opportunities to introduce new words, explain actions, and have back-and-forth conversations.

How can I motivate a shy child to speak more?
Be patient, create a relaxed environment, and encourage them to share their thoughts without pressure. Praise their efforts and show genuine interest in what they say.

What if my child mixes two languages at home?
This is common in bilingual households. Consistency and exposure to both languages help children learn to separate and eventually use each language fluently.

When should I worry about my child’s language progress?
Each child develops at their own pace, but if you notice significantly delayed speech or difficulty understanding them as they grow older, consider speaking to a healthcare professional for guidance.

Are electronic devices helpful for language learning?
Some educational programmes can introduce vocabulary, but personal interaction—talking, listening, and reading together—is far more effective than screen time alone.

How can I encourage language development in older children who already speak well?
Engage them in discussions about their interests, ask for their opinions, introduce more complex vocabulary, and encourage them to read books that challenge their language skills.

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