As parents, we excitedly look forth to talking with our newborns.
Granted, they have their own ways of "talking" with us, until they are able to speak words.
Meanwhile though, we are constantly encouraging them to speak words.
We would say, "say Mummy" or "say Daddy" and on the day that they finally say their first word, we are ecstatic.
Ecstatic that they have reached this milestone in their life.
It is encouraging for our children when we teach them to say specific words, nevertheless there are other ways that we can teach them how to speak.
Use Baby's Name When we are talking with our babies, instead of using only words of affection such as baby and sweetheart, use the baby's name just as often.
When we do this, the child will quickly learn their own name and they will know that you are speaking to him/her and will try to respond to you, verbally.
Have Conversations with Baby As the baby answers with his/her coos etc.
, let's continue the conversation.
We can do so by saying things such as, "did you say, yes mummy/daddy," or "did you say, here I am?" That is, say something that would encourage the child to speak some more.
Play Games Children enjoy playing games that they are good at and games that involves both their minds and their bodies.
Since this is the case, playing peek-a-boo and fingers and toes games are another opportunity for us to teach them how to speak.