Look Mama, I’m Learning to Talk!
Hi, Mama, I know you wonder how many words I should be saying. But guess what? Every child is different, and it’s not just about counting words. Here’s how you can understand and support my language development:
Understanding My Vocabulary
No "Right" Number of Words
Mama, different sources might say I should know between 10 to 50 words by a certain age, but it’s more important to see how I use my words. The CDC and the AAP focus more on how I use language instead of just counting words.
Developmental Milestones
At 18 months, I might:
Use at least three words regularly, aside from "mama" and "dada."
Follow simple one-step directions without gestures, like "Bring me your shoes."
By 24 months, I might:
Point to objects in a book when you ask.
Combine at least two words, like "more snack."
Recognize and point to body parts when you name them.
Use various gestures, like nodding for 'yes' or blowing a kiss.
Language Development Tips
Encouraging My Language Growth
Interaction: Mama, please talk to me a lot and pay attention to what I say. Tell me about what you're doing, ask me questions, and push me to answer. I learn new words and how to use them better this way.
Read Together: Reading with toddlers can help me learn more words and understand how language works.
Play: During playtime, you can introduce new words. This makes learning fun and helps me understand words in context.
When to Seek Help
Monitoring My Progress
Watch how I talk and connect with other people through language. Watch for a slow rise in the number of words I use and the level of difficulty of my language. This is a good sign of healthy growth, or achievements.
Worries about how my language skills are developing
Talk to my pediatrician if I'm not meeting general goals or if I start to forget language skills I've already learned. Early help can be very useful, and it could include a test of my growth to see what I need.
Conclusion
Instead of focusing only on how many words I can say, watch how I use language to communicate and interact with my surroundings. Every child grows at their own pace, but talking to me and engaging with me helps a lot. And if you’re ever worried, early help can make a big difference in my communication skills.