Help your child talk: WAIT

I hear this often. “I know what my child talks but he won’t ask me for things.”

If you know what your child wants, WAIT for him to ask. Give him the opportunity and your undivided attention then WAIT. Count to ten, sing a song, go over the grocery list in your head… WAIT!

Children who are learning to use words need more time to formulate a thought. Most times, parents aren’t giving their child enough time to initiate or respond. Waiting sounds easy, but it is not.

When your child is reaching for her milk, you may say “use your words”. Great. But then, you say, “milk, milk, here is the milk, you want milk”. This is a great way to model language but it does not allow your child any time to make the request.

Instead, when you say “use your words”, WAIT.  Count to ten, then provide help if needed.  Give her extra time and WAIT!