Child development issues
The three key points for creating a high-quality language environment
Describe more, ask less.
When creating a high-quality home language environment, parents can use the technique of "parallel talk" to describe children's current activities, in addition to asking questions and giving instructions. This technique is particularly suitable for toddlers under two years old. Parents should use simple sentence structures, emphasise key vocabulary, and express what the toddler is currently paying attention to, playing with, or tasting through parallel talk. For example: "Chopped up banana!" or "Wow! Stacking blocks!"
Play dumb more, criticise less
Often, when parents interact with their children, they unconsciously adopt an adult perspective, viewing a child's innocence too rationally. For example: "What are you doing?! Why would you put a bucket on your head!" or "Oh, you're giving me a block to eat? You can't eat that!" From a child's point of view, their wonderful creativity is being rejected, making them feel rather disheartened. As parents, during family time, it's worth putting aside your rational mind and rediscovering your inner child. Engage in games from a child's perspective. When you show enthusiasm, you'll naturally connect better with your children and, in turn, guide them to express the thoughts in their little minds through language, such as:
"Wow! What's that on your head? What does it do? When can I use it?"
"Eh? What food are you cooking? How do you cook it? What does it taste like?"
Praise more, criticise less
Children love the praise and appreciation of adults. Whenever a child actively expresses themselves, even with just a word, a simple body language gesture, or a single sound, parents should respond immediately. This positively encourages the child's initiative to communicate. In addition to verbal praise, this also includes eye contact, smiles, hugs, and applause from parents. Be sure not to discourage a child's confidence in expressing themselves and their desire to communicate with negative remarks such as, "You can't even speak properly," or "No matter how much I push, you won't say anything, I don't know what you're afraid of."
I often tell parents that there are countless effective parent-child communication skills and that what's important is the parents' persistence and patience. A day or half a day of communication and interaction won't lead to immediate progress, but as long as parent-child communication and interaction become "consistent," it will definitely have a positive impact on language development and even parent-child relationships in the long run. Come on, Mum and Dad!
Source: UBaby
