The Mom I Want to Be

 

Babies learn by listening – here’s what to say. No textbooks required!

 

Most likely, you are teaching your baby language without even knowing it, just by talking to her and responding to the sounds she makes. Taking turns is a cardinal feature of language. When your baby coos or gurgles, be sure to listen. Then respond. Even playing peekaboo games is now considered by language scientists to be a way parents teach some fundamentals of communication.

 

Some infants are obviously enchanted with speech early on. They delight in spoken language as well as the diverse uses of language, such as in songs, rhymes, and games. Others may appear to have less initial interest in language, especially in becoming adept speakers themselves. This may be due to a greater temporary focus on other aspects of their world and development.

 

One Step at a Time
Children sometimes learn words, but then stop using them or even seem to forget them. This often coincides with mastery of a new skill in another area that captures the baby’s attention. For example, a child who has just learned a new motor skill may babble or talk less while he practices that new skill.

 

Conversely, new words may cause an active walker to slow down or stay seated while he practices new words or phrases. We don’t know the reason for this developmental fickleness. But it’s common, generally transitory, and often charming. As an attentive parent, you will have continuing cause to marvel as your child masters one new skill after another. Don’t worry about temporary pauses or “backward steps” in development.

 

Should You Teach?
As a parent, should you actively help shape your child’s language development? The answer is yes and no.

 

Yes, because when your baby shows she’s ready, she’ll enjoy being taught in appropriate ways. If talking, songs, rhymes, and word games are relaxed and enjoyable, your child will want to learn more because she’s having fun and she’s playing with you.

 

No, because there is no evidence that structured teaching is the best way to have children learn language. And focusing too much on one aspect of development may have negative consequences for other areas of development.

 

Remember, you’re a natural teacher. Share what you know, instead of following a prescribed lesson.