Most parents are excited to have their children say their first word. I have learned there are a few things to watch for and work with your children before expecting them to talk.
One of the first things that a child needs to know how to do is be able to attend to one thing. You can practice this with your child by speaking to them, pulling faces, smiling, laughing, etc. Advance to rattles or a bottle and practice with them to attend to it by showing it to them and letting them have contact with it.
Another good practice is making eye contact with them. Some children may find eye contact threatening or uncomfortable. Start with short periods of eye contact and gradually lengthen the time. Make sure it is pleasant and non threatening. Give them a reason to look at you by smiling and talking.
Practice with children to understand that just because something disappears, it is not gone. This is called object permanence. Peek a boo is a good game to help children understand this. Also, while your child is watching you, hide a toy they like to play with under a blanket. Have it near them and encourage them to look for it. You may have to uncover the toy a few times before your child will start to catch on.
Helping children understand that something results from actions is also a good practice. For example, if you hit the spoon on the pan, it makes a sound. Some toys have buttons that will make a sound or pop up a picture. When children understand cause and effect their language grows.
Turn taking is a communication tool. Before using words, children learn turn taking with toys. This can be practiced by playing a 'your turn,' 'my turn' game. It's my turn to hold the toy, now it's your turn. The turns generally are very short periods.
Imitation is another pre-verbal skill. Help a child learn to imitate by first imitating your child. When they make a sound, imitate it. One on one play at their eye level will give them more opportunities to watch you and learn to imitate you.
These are a few ideas to start with and I hope you have fun with them. Thanks, and let me know.
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