Is Your Toddler Ready To Talk?

Hearing your toddlers first words are one of the most memorable days of your life. It is a moment that you will cherish forever.

Your toddlers first words

By about 12 months, your baby should have reached the milestone of their first real words and be able to say some simple words such as “mum” or “dad”.

But some toddlers wont start talking until they are a bit older. This is generally not a cause for concern, although you may want to get them checked out by your family doctor or raise concerns to a health visitor who will be able to reassure you.

So to make sure you don’t miss out on your toddler’s first words, here are some signs to look out for that your toddler is almost ready to start talking.

Signs your child is ready to talk

Does your child point to objects?

This shows that they know what they want and are trying to express their desires and feelings to you. It is important that you encourage your toddler not to get frustrated, and to keep trying with words as well as pointing.

Does your toddler understand what you say?

How can you respond to something if you don’t know what is being asked of you? To start talking, your toddler will first need to understand you.

Test it out by asking your toddler to bring you a toy (although they may not want to surrender it) or ask them to do simple tasks such as get their shoes. This will show whether your toddler can hear, comprehend and understand what you have said and will show if they are near the talking stage.

Does your toddler use gestures and facial expressions to communicate?

Does your toddler smile when you say the right thing or frown and stop their feet when you ask them to do something they don’t want to do?

Although it is frustrating that your toddler wont answer you, by responding with facial expressions and pointing, your toddler is communicating with you and it should not be long until you hear those precious first words.

Does your toddler grunt when they want something?

Try and encourage your toddler to attempt the word when they point at something or would like something.

For example, if your toddler points to the biscuit tin, encourage them to say biscuit before they are allowed a biscuit. As soon as they attempt the word, reward them with a biscuit. To start with, the word your toddler says will probably sound nothing like biscuit, but give them a chance to learn and practise the word and develop their facial muscles and they will soon be chatting away.

Be patient with your toddler

Most importantly, be patient with your toddler when they are learning to speak. It will be incredibly frustrating for them, so the more patience, love, support and guidance you show them, the quicker your toddler will be chatting away.