Help your toddler find their voice with these four simple, research-based strategies. By focusing on connection over "teaching," you can turn everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities. 1. Narrate Your World Instead of asking your child questions (e.g., "What’s this?"), use simple language to describe what you see, feel, and do during daily routines like snack time or getting dressed. Example: "Mommy is peeling the orange. It’s juicy and orange!" Example: "Dad is washing the dishes. Water on and scrub, scrub, scrub!" 2. Follow Their Lead Children learn best when they are truly interested. Join them in whatever has captured their attention. If they are looking at a dog, bark like a dog! Adding fun environmental sounds and animal noises makes language playful and memorable. 3. Observe & Wait It’s tempting to jump in and help, but silence is a powerful tool. By watching without interrupting, you give your child the "processing time" they need to think, try a task independently, or formulate a response. Tip: During an enjoyable activity and when your child is regulated, count to 5 silently in your head before offering help. 4. Copy & Connect Imitation is a primary way children learn. When your child makes a sound, a facial expression, or a gesture, do it back to them! This simple "serve and return" interaction builds a strong emotional attachment and shows your child that their communication has meaning.