Helping your child talk

Everyone involved in a child’s life can help them learn to talk by using these simple ideas. You can use them during playtime and everyday tasks like getting dressed or eating meals.

• Get down to your child’s level and talk face to face with them.
• Remember, talking is not just about words. Use body language, facial expressions, gestures, and signs. When your child uses these ways to talk, add the words that match what they are doing.
• Listen to your child’s sounds and words and say them back to them.
• Give your child time to think about what you said and answer.
• Copy what your child is doing while they play. This helps you follow their lead instead of telling them what to do.
• Give your child choices and show them the things they can pick from.
• Talk about what your child is doing as they play or as you go about your day together. Make comments instead of asking too many questions.
• Keep your words simple and say them often. This helps your child hear important words and phrases many times.

For videos of the above strategies being demonstrated see the language development film here

Last reviewed September 2025