Tips for Talking with Toddlers

• Talk to the toddler on his level. Squat down or sit beside him.

• Respect the toddler's wariness of strangers and her need to be in control.

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• Respond to the toddler's efforts to keep the conversation going.

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• Give the toddler time to repeat a new word.

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• Accompany language with gestures that the toddler can copy.

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• Use words to help the toddler name and manage her strong emotions.

References

• Talk to Me, Baby! How You Can Support Young Children's Language Development, Second Edition