Parents can play an important role in language development in young children. Kids learn how to communicate based on their interactions with you. Several things can help improve your child's language skills. By incorporating a few of them into your daily routine, you can help your child build a varied vocabulary, giving her the tools she needs to express herself.
Reading
Reading with your child is one of the most effective ways of improving his language skills. KidsHealth.org recommends that parents start reading to their children as early as 6 months of age. Choose age-appropriate books that will hold your child's interest. Point to words as you read along with him and let him help you turn the pages. Reading will help your child understand the function of language. He will learn that each object has a name and each word he uses has meaning. Reading often will allow him to broaden his vocabulary.
Songs
Because children enjoy songs, singing is another good way to expose your child to language. Music stimulates all areas of brain functioning because it engages the entire brain, Sean Brotherson, a family science specialist at the North Dakota State University Extension Service, says in his paper, "Keys to Enhancing Brain Development in Young Children." The repetition of rhythms and rhymes in songs are especially conducive to language development. By pairing songs with hand motions, actions and facial expressions, you can make learning and practicing new words a fun activity for your kids.
Talking
Talking with your child is another important aspect of language development. According to KidsHealth.org, the more you expose your child to words, the more likely she is to incorporate them into her own patterns of speech. Use everything available as a topic of conversation. Talk her through choosing her clothes for the day, pointing out different colors and patterns. Ask her to help you plan daily meals, naming the foods you put on your menu. Take her on walks around the neighborhood and talk about the clouds, trees or animals you see on your way. Encourage your child to talk to you as well. Ask her questions and pay attention to her answers.
Limit Television
Excessive television viewing restricts conversational exchange and could account for delayed speech development in young children, according to the website for All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla. Television is a passive activity. It does not allow for interactive communication. The more time children spend watching television, the less time they spend talking or listening. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, very young children should avoid television. Parents should also try to limit television time to no more than one to two hours a day for older kids. Replacing television with activities such as reading, playing games or spending time with other children is more conducive to speech development and better for your child's health overall.
