Let's Chat Speech and Language: Unlocking Your Child's World of Words!

This blog has been repurposed from a community newsletter that Rebecca contributes to on a monthly basis.

Hey there, Rural Child Health community! 👋

We know that parenting is a wild ride full of excitement and questions. One thing that often pops up on this journey is wondering if your little one's speech and language are hitting all the right notes. After all, every kiddo is unique, and their communication skills unfold in their own delightful way.

👶 Baby Babble (6 months): At this stage, expect some adorable babbling, laughter, and those early attempts at saying "Mumma" or "Dadda." It's the cutest language in the making!

🧡 Toddler Talk (12 months): Fast forward to the one-year mark—your tot might drop a meaningful word or two in the right context. Plus, get ready for some impressive pointing skills, their new way of saying, "I want that!"

🗣️ Tiny Wordsmith (18 months): Now we're talking! Around 18 months, your little chatterbox may unleash 5-10 words and ace the pointing game with body parts like a pro (eyes, nose, mouth—check!)

👧👦 Two's Talking Turn (2 years): Two-word sentences start taking the stage, and you'll find your kiddo being understood about half the time. It's the charming chaos of toddler-speak!

🌟 Terrific Threes (3 years): By now, they're having simple "what/who/where" chats and belting out nursery rhymes like tiny rockstars.

📚 Fantastic Fours (4 years): Welcome to the world of a wide vocabulary! At four, your little one should be the master of words, understood by everyone 100% of the time.

But hey, speech and language go beyond just the words. It's about the whole shebang—how they hear, process, understand, and express the beautiful chaos around them.

👂 Tune In: Do they turn to your voice? ✔️

👋 Name Game: Responding to their name like a champ? ✔️

🤔 Gesture Gab: Using those adorable hand gestures to chat? ✔️

📖 Book Buddies: Pointing to body parts and pictures in their favorite books? ✔️

🎵 Melody Makers: Singing along to their favorite nursery rhyme? ✔️

🗨️ Word Wizards: Saying words for objects in a "lift the flap book"? ✔️

Here are some everyday tricks to amp up their speech and language skills:

🎤 Sing It Loud: Serenade them with nursery rhymes or your favorite tunes.

📚 Repeat the Classics: Embrace the repeat button on that beloved book (yes, even if it's the 100th time).

🔄 Phrase Play: Explore books and songs that repeat words or phrases. Kids adore the rhythm!

🗣️ Talk the Talk: Share your day with them. Describe everything from putting on socks to the grand sock dance routine.

👂 Hearing Hero: Book a hearing test if needed. Clear hearing sets the stage for clear communication.

🔄 Convo Carousel: Take turns chatting to practice the art of conversation and turn-taking.

Questions swirling in your mind about your little one's linguistic adventures? 🤔

Book a friendly chat with me (or your local child health nurse if you feel that you've got a great relationship with them already!). They're here to guide you through the wonderful world of your child's speech and language. 🌈

Happy chatting!

The Rural Child Health Squad 🌟