This is an eye-opener for me. I usually have conversations with Andrea and more often than not I’m doing the talking. I always thought that this would be more helpful for her as she can hear my voice, thank God I saw this article:
Her ability to comprehend more than she can communicate means it’s important for you to speak slowly and clearly to her. You’ve probably stopped much of the singsong-y speech that you used instinctively when your child was a baby, but now you can use simple words and phrases to get, and hold, her attention. Using the correct words for objects — “toes” instead of “tootsies,” or “cookie” instead of “coo-coo” — will cut down on her confusion as she learns to use words. Listening to your child without interruption is also essential at this stage. The toddler who is listened to, especially by her parents and caregivers, is a better listener, which in turn will enhance her speaking skills.
This particular article is talking about toddlers aged 16 months so this probably doesn’t apply to other ages (I could be wrong of course ). I now vow to really look at my interactions with Andrea from an outsider’s point of view and analyze if I’m helping her developmentally. It’s scary to think that I might be stunting her growth.
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We never talk to Rachel in baby talk even when she was newborn. Don’t know why. We’ve always talked the same way we talk to one another.