5 Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Language Development at Home
As parents, we want to give our kids the best possible start to their language development skills. However, we often feel overwhelmed because we do not know how to enhance those skills. The good news is that you do not need special toys or a degree in child development to help your child become a confident communicator. In fact, the most powerful learning happens in your everyday moments together.
Here are 5 practical and easy ways to support your child’s early language development at home:
Describing what you are doing → “I am putting on your socks; one, two!”
Make reading a daily habit → Choose books with bright pictures, simple words, and repetition. Point to and name objects, ask questions, and let your child help turn the pages.
Sing songs and rhymes → Singing songs like “Wheels on the Bus” or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” can help with teaching them rhythm, sounds, and new words.
Use gestures and expressions → Use pointing, facial expressions, and even simple sign language for words like “more,” “milk,” or “all done.”
Create a language rich environment → Talk during everyday moments (e.g., mealtime, bathtime, walks, or playtime).
In conclusion, the little things you do each day (e.g., chatting during diaper changes, singing in the car, reading at bedtime) can truly help with enhancing your child’s early language development. Therefore, keep talking, reading, singing, and most importantly, connecting, as little steps can lead to bigger changes.
Author: Nayeli Dominguez M.S., CF-SLP