Early childhood: five tips to stimulate your child’s speech

The moment of the first words can generate anxiety in parents, but there are practical suggestions that can help children develop language in a natural and effective way

With the arrival of the little ones at home, it is natural for parents to fill the doubts about the development of children concerning the speech. Questions like “When will my son begin to speak?”, “What will your first word be?” Or “is it normal not to be able to form complete sentences?” It often appears among the first parents and the arrival of a younger brother.

Development of the child

The neurosurgeon and the specialist in the development of children, André CeballosHe explains that these concerns are part of the learning process and are common among parents. “By accompanying the milestones of the child’s development, such as the speech, it can help relieve anxieties. Since these milestones work as important indicators to monitor the progress of communication skills. Therefore, observing if the child is reaching these passages in the expected time, it is possible to understand if it is developing within normal models or if there is something that needs attention.”summarizes Ceallos.

For example, according to the milestones established by Disease control and prevention centers of USA (Disease prevention and control center), at 18 months, the child should try to say three or more words in addition to “mom” or “dad”. At the age of two, the child should already be able to ask small questions and combine at least two words, such as “more milk”. Ceallos underlines that, in addition to accompanying these milestones, parents can adopt simple attitudes in everyday life to stimulate language in a natural way, creating a welcoming and favorable environment for the development of language.

Main suggestions for the speech

Among the practical suggestions to stimulate the little children’s speech, the child’s development specialist highlights the main ones.

Speak early

Even if the child does not speak yet, it is important that the parents spoke to him. Describe daily actions, as “now we change the diaper” or “let’s look at the bottle”, in addition to asking simple questions, such as “what is this?”, It helps to create a connection and stimulate the understanding of words.

Exercise exercises with the mouth

The articulation of sounds is essential for the development of a clear and understandable speech. As explained by the neurosurgeon André Ceballos, it is through this articulation that children learn to form the words correctly, improving their communication. Driving parents encourage their children to carry out activities that involve specific mouth movements. For example, open and close the lips, stretch your tongue and move it to different directions.

Singing for your son

The songs, in particular the children, with simple letters, help in the rhythm of the speech and the memorization of words. In addition, musical games also make learning more fun and engaging.

Reading to train the speech

Reading the child is one of the most powerful tools to stimulate the development of language and the expansion of the vocabulary since the early years of life. Reading creates an environment full of stimuli, in which the child begins to associate words with objects, actions and emotions. After listening to the intonation of the parents’ voice, it develops listening, understanding and even the ability to imitate sounds and words.

“Books with vibrant images and simple stories are ideal for the first contacts with reading, since they capture the attention of the child and involve him playful in a playful way. How they read parents, it is possible to make pauses to underline the figures, explain what is happening and ask questions, how” what do you think it will happen now? “Guide André Ceballos.

Make friends

Even in the first months of life, social interaction is essential for the development of language. Although children do not yet communicate verbally, observing and interacting with other children or adults creates a stimulating environment, in which they begin to learn to listen and react to the sounds that surround them. Simple games, such as smiling, doing faces or talking to the child while observing, also help to “speak” and stimulate the understanding of language.

According to the development expert of children André Ceballos, when the child sees other children or adults who speak and smile, he begins to associate the sounds with expressions and emotions, which contribute to the development of the speech. These moments of social interaction are important to create the basis of future verbal communication.

Attention to the development of language

Finally, the doctor underlines that while each child has his own rhythm of growth and learning, it is important that the caregivers are aware of the milestones of the development of language and language. “With these parameters, it is possible to realize more clearly in case of delays in development, since difficulties in forming words or expressing themselves clearly. Identify these signs in advance allows parents to look for appropriate guidelines, ensuring that the child receives the support necessary for their development.”concludes.

*Article made in collaboration with Alice Veloso, by the communication publika.aí

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.