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Your Child's Journey

wisdom for the big steps little children take

You are here: Home / Archives for development

Speech Development

February 3, 2019 By Diane Constantine Leave a Comment

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Since we live in a gadget age with so much digitalized speech, I thought it would be good to remind you how your child learns to talk. Gadgets that “talk” do not teach children to speak early or well. It is through hearing and seeing and having a relationship with people that children develop the ability to use language.

It is so important to help your child develop a good vocabulary and to learn to speak clearly. A broad vocabulary lays a strong foundation for learning in school, later on. 

If you can teach your child more than one language, do it! You can give them a head start in language learning. When a young child learns to speak in more than one language, later in life, they will pronounce like a native speaker in each of those languages. It also teaches them how to learn other languages later, too. 

In your child’s first two years of life, they are constantly listening to sounds, sorting, putting them together, and trying to understand. They make sounds and watch for which sounds get your attention. As you speak and listen to your child, they begin to start to communicate. Sometimes beginning to speak is quite gradual and sometimes they seem to suddenly put words together.

Here are some basics:

First, speak to your child. Don’t use a high pitched voice and baby words. Use your adult voice and grown-up words because children learn from example. Using baby words instead of real words slows toddler speech development. They eventually have to learn the correct names. This wastes time and effort, from learning additional words.

Second, narrate what your child is doing and experiencing. This lets your child know you are actively involved with them and helps build your bond with them. They also learn the words while involved in the activity. This creates connections in their brains using more than just their sense of hearing. Make sure you also give them time alone and without your narration to learn on their own.

Third, ask questions. Answering your questions about the things they are playing with, gives your kids a chance to use new vocabulary and gain fluency in speech. Subtly in conversation, you can correct grammar or pronunciation by reflecting back to them. 

Fourth, read lots and lots of books. Stories teach vocabulary, expressions, and grammar without effort. The stories expose your children to situations they wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. Use lots of expression as you read to reinforce the meaning of the words. Linger over reading so your little one can take in the images and colors and feelings that the story provides. For more on benefits and how-to, see: Read

Finally, you model speech even when you are not aware of it. They not only learn when you speak to them, they learn as they hear you talk to others. They hear your tone and pronunciation and inflections. They are comparing and contrasting with other things you say. They are memorizing and will begin to practice what they have heard you say to others.

All of this takes time. Make your time with your little one as valuable as possible. Try to not be distracted by media when your child wants to talk to you. And don’t let the daily grind wear away your enthusiasm in your child’s development. Some words you may have to say hundreds of times before your child says them. Occasionally, you’ll be surprised to hear him say a word, you only remember saying once in his presence. Enjoy the process!

For more about learning more than one language as a little child see: Bi-Lingual Learning

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Filed Under: Toddler Tagged With: development, speech

Dads and Moms Play Differently

July 21, 2017 By Diane Constantine

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This is no news. We all see the difference, but we may not realize the importance of the difference.

A dad looks, smells, sounds and acts differently than a mom. There are beneficial differences between moms and dads to the development of their children.

Dads are much more physically active with their children. They tickle, wrestle and throw theirs kids in the air. Moms use toys and talk to their children.

Dad’s style of play helps a child’s physical development and coordination. He teaches limits, like when enough is enough. They learn that biting and kicking are not acceptable. Dads encourage their kids to try harder and go faster which fosters independence and confidence in their own abilities.

Mom’s play helps her kids develop their language and communication skills. They learn social skills from her. She is usually more calm and quiet in play than dad. Kids have fun, but not the hilarity they may have with dad.

This diversity in approaches gives children a broad, rich experience in relating to others. Together they help their children remain safe while expanding their experiences and increasing their confidence.

Moms usually spend more time and are more involved with their children than dad. But dad’s time and style of play is vital to good development. Gottman says,  “Rough and tumble play used by many dads can predict better self-control abilities in children. High energy, positive play can predict/effect how well a child will be viewed by other kids, and how well they will be accepted by their peers in school. The Gottman group found that the more emotionally involved a father was with his child at the age of four years, the more socially competent his child was at age eight!”

So dads, stay involved with your kids. Start when they are newborn and never stop having your time and playing with your kids.

Moms, make sure you allow dad to play with the kids — in his way. Encourage him to spend time with them. Just turn away if you can’t stand seeing him play rough and tumble. He loves his kids and won’t hurt them. Trust him.

Together make plans for times to play together with your children. Take turns leading the game and enjoy watching the way your kids thrive!


Watch for more articles on how dads help their kids develop well.

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Filed Under: All Ages, Kid Tips Tagged With: dad, development, play

Infant Vision: 0-24 Months

September 27, 2012 By Diane Constantine Leave a Comment

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  • Steps in Infant Vision Development
  • Signs of Eye and Vision Problems
  • What Parents Can do to Help With Visual Development
  • Baby’s First Eye Exam

Babies learn to see over a period of time, much like they learn to walk and talk. They are not born with all the visual abilities they need in life. The ability to focus their eyes, move them accurately, and use them together as a team must be learned. Also, they need to learn how to use the visual information the eyes send to their brain in order to understand the world around them and interact with it appropriately.

From birth, babies begin exploring the wonders in the world with their eyes. Even before they learn to reach and grab with their hands or crawl and sit-up, their eyes are providing information and stimulation important for their development.

Healthy eyes and good vision play a critical role in how infants and children learn to see. Eye and vision problems in infants can cause developmental delays. It is important to detect any problems early to ensure babies have the opportunity to develop the visual abilities they need to grow and learn.

Read more at: American Optometric Associaton

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Filed Under: Newborn, Resources Tagged With: development, vision

Developmental Milestones

September 6, 2012 By Diane Constantine Leave a Comment

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Developmental milestones are a guide to judge our children’s progress. Most children will reach these milestones at approximately the time noted. Some children reach them a little earlier and some children reach them a little later. Gifted children, however, tend to reach several milestones weeks, months, and even years earlier than average children.

There are many sites that list milestones in different areas of development. About.com has a comprehensive list for your use.

 

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Filed Under: All Ages, Resources Tagged With: development

The Importance of Tummy Time

August 6, 2012 By Diane Constantine Leave a Comment

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Give your baby a few minutes a couple times each day to lie on her stomach unrestricted by blankets or clothing. Her arms and legs will begin to uncurl and exercise will begin to strengthen her neck and upper body. Many important skills develop while she plays on her tummy. For more information see: TummyTime


Delayed Head Control

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Filed Under: Newborn Tagged With: development, Head control, tummy time

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