Thinking About When Your Child Talk With You?
Here We Explain You Speech Milestone of Toddlers
About Speech Milestones
Language development is a crucial part of a child’s early years. It helps them communicate and learn about the world around them. Toddlers, who are between the ages of 12 to 36 months, go through exciting changes in their speech and language abilities. Understanding these speech milestone is important for parents, caregivers, and teachers because it helps them support the child’s language development.
Did you know that most toddlers can say about 20 words by the time they are 18 months old?
This is amazing because it shows how quickly toddlers learn to talk. But remember, every child is unique, and they may reach these milestones at their own pace. Let’s explore these speech milestones, learn the truth about common myths.
Speech Milestone 1: Babbling
- During the first year of life, babies start making sounds like “ba-ba” or “ma-ma.” This is called babbling. It’s an important step in learning how to talk because it helps babies practice making different sounds and using their vocal muscles.
Speech Milestone 2: First Words
- Between 10 and 14 months, toddlers usually say their first meaningful words.
- These words are often related to people, objects, or actions they are familiar with.
- It’s an exciting milestone because it means that toddlers are starting to understand that words have meaning.
Speech Milestone 3: Expansion of Vocabulary
- Around 18 to 24 months, toddlers start learning new words very quickly.
- They add several words to their vocabulary every month.
- This is called a vocabulary spurt.
- It’s a time when children’s understanding and use of words grow rapidly.
Speech Milestone 4: Two-Word Combinations
- Between 24 to 36 months, toddlers begin putting words together to form short phrases or sentences.
- This is a significant milestone because it allows toddlers to express more complex ideas and needs.
Myth and Fact:
Myth: Bilingualism causes speech delays in toddlers.
Fact: Being exposed to multiple languages does not cause speech delays in toddlers. In fact, research suggests that bilingualism can have cognitive and linguistic benefits. While it is normal for bilingual children to have a slight lag in vocabulary development in each language compared to monolingual children, they typically catch up by the time they reach school age. Speaking multiple languages should not be a cause for concern regarding speech delays in toddlers.
Myth: Late talkers will always have long-term speech problems.
Fact: Some children may start talking later than others, but that doesn’t mean they will have long-term speech problems. Many late talkers catch up to their peers and develop typical speech and language skills with time and support. However, it is essential to monitor their progress and seek professional advice if there are concerns about their speech development. Early intervention and speech therapy can be beneficial for children who need extra support.
Myth: Speech milestones are the only indicators of language development.
Fact: While speech milestones, such as the number of words spoken or the ability to form sentences, are important indicators of language development, they are not the only factors to consider. Language development encompasses various aspects, including understanding and using gestures, following instructions, responding to questions, and engaging in meaningful conversations. These non-verbal and social communication skills are equally crucial in assessing a child’s language development.
Myth: TV and screens can replace human interaction in language development.
Fact: While educational programs and interactive apps can have some benefits for language learning, they should not replace human interaction. Face-to-face communication, conversations, and interactions with caregivers, siblings, and peers provide essential opportunities for language development. Children learn language best through real-life experiences and meaningful interactions rather than passive screen time.
Why is my toddler stuttering?
- Stuttering is when a person has trouble speaking smoothly, and it can happen to toddlers too.
It’s common for toddlers between the ages of 2 and 5 to stutter because their language skills are growing quickly. - Sometimes, stuttering can run in families, so if a parent or someone close to the child stuttered as a child, there’s a higher chance the toddler might stutter too.
Some toddlers may have difficulty understanding and using language, which can make them stutter. - Stuttering can also happen when a toddler feels stressed, excited, or overwhelmed.
When toddlers speak quickly because they have a lot to say, their brains can struggle to keep up, which can lead to stuttering. - Parents can help their toddler who stutters by creating a calm and patient environment at home.
- It’s important to listen carefully and give the child your full attention when they speak.
- Parents can speak slowly and clearly to show the toddler how to talk smoothly.
- Teaching the child to take turns in conversation can help them practice speaking without interruption.
- Parents should avoid pressuring the child to speak perfectly and focus on creating a supportive environment.
- If stuttering persists for more than six months or causes the child distress, it’s a good idea to consult a speech-language therapist.
- Most toddlers outgrow stuttering as they grow older and with support from their parents.
When to talk to your doctor – Not reached to the speech milestone
If you’re concerned about your toddler’s speech milestone, it’s essential to talk to your child’s doctor. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, so try not to worry if your child seems to lag behind others their age or his/her speech missed speech milestone mark . As long as they are making progress in their language skills, such as adding new words, using words differently, and forming longer phrases every month, they are likely doing fine.
However, it’s a good idea to mention these concerns to your child’s pediatrician if you notice any of the following:
- By 18 months: By the time your child reaches 18 months of age, you may want to pay attention if they have fewer than six words, are not picking up new words, and seem unfamiliar with the purpose of familiar things.
- By 2 years: Your child can’t follow simple instructions and struggles to use two-word phrases.
- By 3 years: Your child is not speaking in sentences, has unclear speech, and doesn’t understand simple instructions.
If you observe any of these signs of a possible developmental delay, consider discussing a speech/language evaluation with your child’s doctor. Speech therapy is often available for toddlers who are late talkers. The costs may vary based on your child’s needs and the services offered in your area, but it can be a valuable way to provide your child with the help and support they need to enhance their language skills. Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s language development and overall communication abilities.
Drawback of Delayed in Speech Milestone
- Speech delays or difficulties can lead to frustration and behavior challenges.
- Untreated speech issues may affect a child’s school performance and relationships.
- Some children may need special help, such as speech therapy, to overcome speech delays.
Toddler speech milestones are crucial for their overall development. Understanding these milestones helps parents, caregivers, and teachers support and nurture children’s language skills. By recognizing that every child develops at their own pace and addressing concerns early on, we can help toddlers succeed in their speech and communication skills, setting the stage for a lifetime of effective communication.
FAQ About Toddler Speech Milestone
Q. What should I do if my toddler is not babbling by 12 months?
If your toddler is not babbling by 12 months, it’s important to observe their overall development. Some children may start babbling a little later, but if you are concerned, it’s a good idea to talk to your pediatrician or a speech-language therapist who can provide guidance.
Q. How can I help my toddler learn more words?
You can help your toddler learn more words by talking to them often, reading books together, and pointing out and naming objects in their environment. Engage in conversations, sing songs, and play games that involve words and sounds. This will create a language-rich environment and support their vocabulary development.
Q. Are speech delays always a cause for concern?
Not necessarily. Many children have temporary speech delays that resolve on their own. However, if you notice persistent difficulties in your child’s speech or if they are significantly behind their peers in language skills, it’s a good idea to consult a speech-language therapist for an evaluation and appropriate intervention.
Q. Will my bilingual toddler have a harder time learning to talk?
No, being bilingual does not cause speech delays or difficulties. In fact, being exposed to multiple languages can have cognitive and communication benefits for toddlers. They may take a little longer to develop their language skills in both languages, but this is normal and they will catch up with practice and support and many child reached their milestone early.
Q. How can I support my toddler to reach speech milestone at home?
You can support your toddler’s speech development and help to reach milestone by creating a language-rich environment. Talk to them often, read books together, sing songs, and encourage conversation. Provide opportunities for them to practice their speech and listen attentively when they speak. If you have concerns, consult a speech-language therapist who can provide specific strategies and activities.
Also Read : Potty Training In 3 Days : A Simple Guide For Toddlers
Parenting Tip | Raising A Happy And Healthy Toddler
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