Your two- to three-year-old's toddler communication: Should we be aware of this?

Talking to our little ones and laughing with them is one of the greatest joys we get as parents, isn't it? Little ones learn things from these conversations with us, from the things they see and hear in the world around them every day. So you might also be interested in knowing how these little talkers express themselves and how we can help them develop their language skills. Let's talk about it in a little more detail.

How do toddlers talk at this age? (Toddler Communication Milestones)

Did you know that between the ages of two and three, toddlers make a huge leap in their language skills? Imagine, a toddler who was only saying a word or two a few months ago is now starting to say small sentences. Isn't that an amazing development?

What is it like at about 2 years old?

At this age, very young children:

• They start saying two words together. Like "Mom, I need rice," "Baby, I need water," "I need a ball." Sometimes this may seem like a joke to us, but it's a big step for them.
• What they are saying may not be very clear yet, but we should try and understand.

How are you at 30 months (about 2 ½ years old)?

When they get a little older, around 30 months:

• Their vocabulary may be 50 words or more . Imagine how quickly their vocabulary will grow!
• Other people understand about half of what they say. At first, only Mom and Dad understood, but now, little by little, others are starting to understand what they're saying.
• Begins to use self-referential words like "I," "me," and "we."
• If you give them two simple instructions in a row, like "Take the ball and bring it to daddy," they can do it. This shows how their comprehension skills are also improving.

The difference you see after 3 years

By the time your little talker turns three, he'll have developed even further:

• Their vocabulary usually exceeds 200 words .
• They can make sentences of two or three words, and sometimes even longer . Like "Mom, where's the rice?", "I'm going to play."
• They can have at least two back-and-forth exchanges with you, and when you ask a question, answer it, and they'll ask you a question again.
• Most of the time, others clearly understand what they are saying.

Remember, this is about normal development. Not all babies are the same. Some babies may take a little longer to do these things. That's normal.

What should we do to develop our child's communication skills?

There are many things we can do to improve our little ones' language skills. Simply put, the more we talk to them, the more we play with them, and the more time we spend with them, the more they learn.

Here are some things you can do:

1. Talk to your child often.

• Tell your child about the things you are doing. Like, "Mommy is going to make rice now," "Shall we go take a bath now?"
• Talk about what he did that day and what he's going to do tomorrow. "Did you have fun playing today?" "We're going to grandma's house tomorrow, right?"
• It's also a good habit to talk about the day's events before going to bed. It helps them summarize the day and learn new words.

2. Read books together

• Read books together with your little one. Set aside a little time each day for this. It can be their favorite books, or it can be a new book. It doesn't matter if it's the same book every day, they love it!
• Show them the beautiful pictures in the book. Ask them simple questions like, "What is this, son/daughter?" "Where is the bear cub? What is the bear cub doing?" Then they will try to answer.
• When you read the book, say the words clearly and slowly. That way, it's easier for them to understand.
• Get them involved in saying the words in the book. Sometimes they will pick up the book and start 'reading' to you, meaning they will look at the pictures and tell you the story they think of. Let them do that too, it's a wonderful thing!

3. Play Make-believe Games

• Play pretend with your little ones. Act like a doctor, a teacher, a shopkeeper. During this time, they learn to make new words, new sentences, and deal with new situations.
• For example, if you're playing 'shopping' with your toddler, ask things like, 'Give me a kilo of sugar,' 'How much is this?' Then he'll try to answer.

4. Ask questions, allow answers

• When you ask a question, give your child time to answer. It takes them a while to get their words together. Don't rush them.
• Even if what they say isn't exactly right, appreciate their effort. Say, "Oh... is that what you mean?" and explain it again in the correct way.
• Encourage them by nodding and smiling at what they say.

5. Be a good listener.

• This is the most important thing! You need to be a good listener. When your little one is trying to say something, stop what you are doing, look at them, and pay attention to what they are saying.
• Then they realize that you are listening to them, and they are more interested in talking. The feeling of "my mommy/daddy is listening to what I am saying" is a big deal for them.

6. Sing songs, say words to the beat

• Sing songs with your little ones. They love things like nursery rhymes. Also, saying the words in rhythm helps them pick up the rhythm of the language.

When should I see a doctor? (When to Consult a Doctor)

Usually, by the age of 3, most children start talking as mentioned earlier. However, as mentioned before, not all babies are the same. Some children may take a little longer. However, if you have any concerns or doubts about your child's speech or language development, it is best to talk to a doctor. Don't be afraid or embarrassed.

If you notice any of these things, it's a good idea to see a doctor for advice:

• If he still doesn't say 50 words by 30 months (2 ½ years).
• Even at 30 months (2 ½ years), if you point to something in a book (e.g., a ball, a dog) and ask, "What is this?", they still don't say the name.
• Even at 3 years old, when you show a picture of an action like running or eating, they don't say what's happening.
• Even at 3 years old , if you don't ask questions like 'Who?', 'What?', 'Where?', and 'Why?'
• Even at 3 years old , they still don't say their first name when asked.
• Even at 3 years old , most of the time others (not just family members) don't understand what he's saying.
• Do you think your child's speech clarity is lacking ?
• If you think your child may have a hearing problem (e.g., if they don't look back when you speak, or if they don't respond to sounds).

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately from a qualified doctor, perhaps a pediatrician or a speech and language therapist. Sometimes it can be a minor problem, and if it is recognized early, it is easier to treat and provide the necessary help. So don't be afraid, and if in doubt, definitely seek medical advice.

So, what are the key takeaways we need to remember?

Okay, so from what we've talked about, you can keep a few important things in mind.

• Talk to your little one as much as possible, play with them, and read books. These are the best nourishment for their language skills. It's like watering a plant.
• Listen patiently to what they have to say. Answer them, give them time to express their thoughts. Listen to their small voice.
• Not all babies are the same. Don't compare yourself to other babies and worry, or put pressure on your little one. Pay attention to your baby's progress, and let them go at their own pace.
• If you have any doubts or concerns , even if they seem minor, don't hesitate to ask a doctor. It's the best thing for both you and your baby.
• Finally,

Remember, your love, attention, and encouragement are the greatest strength for your little one's growth, especially his or her speech development! You are the biggest hero/heroine in his or her world.

So, good luck on this beautiful conversational journey with your little one!

` Toddlers' talk, 2-3 year olds, language development, parenting advice, speech delay, doctor's advice, Toddler Communication