Children at this age may begin to use gestures such as pointing, as well as, vocalizations to let you know what they want. While you are waiting for your child’s first words, reinforce some of the ways he lets you know his preferences. If he says Mama or Dada, point to the person and repeat the word. If he shakes his head no when offered a toy or food, say “No, you don’t want that?” Follow his gestures and even use simple sign language to help him express his need for a drink or more to eat. Language is built from understanding. Watch for signs that your child understands what you are saying, like when he responds to his own name. Even though you’ve been talking to your baby from birth, he now understands more language, and thus your conversations will take on new significance. Before he can say many, if any, words, he’ll probably be comprehending more than you suspect. Point to and name things, actions, colors and people in pictures, magazines and newspapers. Label simple objects throughout the day, including body parts, and be sure to include music, singing and rhymes in your child’s playtime. Face your child when you speak so he can see lip movements and your facial expression. This will help him to learn how to form words and match words with emotions. Tell him what’s happening around him , particularly as you bathe, change, and feed him . Make your language simple and specific: “I’m drying you with the big blue towel. How soft it feels!” Verbally label familiar toys and objects for him , and try to be as consistent as possible— that is, if you call the family pet a cat today, don’t call it a kitty tomorrow. Reading your child’s cues and responding to him helps you understand him and helps him learn how to communicate. Whether you’re reading or talking to him , give him plenty of opportunities to join in. Ask questions and wait for a response. Or let him take the lead. If he says “Gaagaagaa,” repeat it back and see what he does. Yes, these exchanges may seem meaningless, but they tell your baby that communication is two-way and that he’s a welcome participant. Paying attention to what he says also will help you identify the words he understands and make it more likely that you’ll recognize his first spoken words. These first words, incidentally, often aren’t proper English. For your child, a “word” is any sound that consistently refers to the same person, object, or event. So if he says “mog” every time he wants milk, you should treat “mog” with all the respect of a legitimate word. When you speak back to him , however, use “milk,” and eventually he’ll make the correction himself . There’s a tremendous variance in the age at which children begin to say recognizable words. Some have a vocabulary of two to three words by their first birthday. More likely, your baby’s speech at twelve months will consist of a sort of gibberish that has the tones and variations of intelligible speech. As long as he’s experimenting with sounds that vary in intensity, pitch, and quality, he’s getting ready to talk. The more you respond to him as if he were speaking, the more you’ll stimulate his urge to communicate. You can talk to your child’s health care provider about how you can help your child’s verbal and non-verbal communication grow. |