Proper Language Development of a Child

Obviously, language is a part of a child’s life that is very important. This does not just mean talking, but speaking correctly. Unfortunately, many children, especially during the major growing years, are faced with challenges to include lisping, stuttering, or just slow development. In this article, we will address proper language development of a child, outlining what it is, as well as ways in which you can help your child.

From the time a baby is born, parents eagerly await those first words, commonly “dada” or “mama”. Typically, a child will say his or her first word or words around nine months of age, some younger, some older. However, if you are a parent and you notice that by two years of age your child is not saying simply phrases or even full sentences, there might be a problem with the language development.

Do not assume when we say, “proper language development of a child” that we are suggesting the process is automatic. Every child will need to be worked with, repeating words, making object association, and so on. Each child must have language reinforced through a number of methods. For instance, if a child were never to hear a spoken word, he/she would simply never have the ability to communication. Instead, this learned behavior is something in which parents are greatly involved.

However, a newborn baby will begin learning language from the moment of birth. Then as the child begins to grow, proper language development of that child is ensured by the parents in a number of ways. As an example, for a child to grow from a language perspective, he/she will also need to have a healthy body and mind, which comes from proper diet, the right amount of good sleep, and so on. Therefore, as parents, we want to make sure we provide our children with everything needed to grow up healthy.

From birth, you should begin to talk to your child, even if it is silly talk. Interestingly, several studies have been performed, showing that mothers who do not talk continually to their baby during the feeding, dressing, or bathing process, will typically have a child that talks late. On the other hand, a parent who is constantly talking while interacting with a child will see much earlier language development for a child. The more you talk the more a child will listen and begin repeating sounds that eventually become words.

An excellent way to encourage language development of a child is with reading. The key is to read to your child as often as you can, but choosing different stories and using variations of emotion. Sadly, reading a bedtime story to a child is something we see less and less of. With busy schedules, some parents simply do not make an opportunity for this important bonding and learning time.

The good news is that today, you can find exceptional books on the market, opposed to what was available 20 years ago. Books now include pop-ups, animations, noise, and much more, which excel language. Then, in addition to reading to help with language development of a child, you could sing. Whether singing a lullaby at night or sitting down to enjoy a child’s music video together, music can be a powerful solution for language development.

Finally, we also suggest nursery rhymes for language development for a child. Most children love rhymes, which are usually easy to mimic, encouraging the development of sound. In fact, recent research shows that among three-year-old children, incorporating the reading of rhymes into daily life was a huge predictor for how well the child would ultimately do in school. Children in this study group were tested for IQ, which was found to be higher than children not exposed to rhymes were.

The language development language of a child will have much to do with the way in which the child is raised and exposed to various resources. However, some children will still be faced with challenges such as lisping or stuttering. In situations such as these, it is important to find a good, speech therapist, someone that will have the education and expertise to work with your child. With proper intervention, a child that lisps or stutters will see incredible and positive results.

Many times, parents concerned over a child’s language development will find that it seems as if overnight, the child was talking fine and where he or she should be. In other words, while you can be concerned, do not panic. Children are funny people, often surprising parents in unique ways, even language.