The development of vocabulary that happens as a toddler grows is absolutely amazing. Even though Blake is just getting started with words, I am still very excited to be able to witness the miracle of toddler vocabulary development for a second time. As an experienced parent, I know that there are many companies out there who will have you believe that your toddler’s vocabulary will not develop well unless you buy and use their product or educational program. As an experienced parent, I can also tell you that that is simply not true. Parents, not products or programs, are perfectly capable of providing the three key ingredients that their toddlers need for building vocabulary and communication skills.
That’s right. You do not have to implement any extraordinary measures. No special educational programs, no magic toys that transform your tot into a walking encyclopedia, and no vocabulary quizzes. All that you need to do to in order to encourage language development your toddler is talk, listen, read, and repeat.
As you can see, most of us are already doing all of the things that our toddlers need us to do to expand their communication horizons. Any time that you describe what you are doing, remember that although it may seem mundane to you, it is part of your toddler’s world. By describing what you see and do, you are helping your toddler to learn the words for the things that he sees and does. Listening encourages your toddler to talk because he can see that you are paying attention to what he is saying. Reading to your toddler adds another dimension to her world as she sees pictures and hears words that the two of you do not experience in your day to day adventures. If you talk, listen, read, and repeat you will find that your toddler’s vocabulary grows right along with her.