Tips for Toddlers With a Speech Delay

Talking

• Talking a lot can be beneficial for helping toddlers that have speech delays. When engaging in conversations with your toddler, utilize words that are clear and easy. When you are partaking in a normal daily activity, such as washing the dishes, make a point to inform your toddler of it. Go out of your way to ask her a lot of questions. If she tries to ask you something, always respond.

Motivation

• From an early age, motivate your toddler by indicating to him that speaking is a positive thing. Give him a reason to want to talk. When he successfully says a word or completes a sentence, clap your hands enthusiastically and smile at him brightly. Enforce the idea that talking is something that he wants to do -- and that also makes you happy and proud of him.

Reading

• Reading can go a long way in helping your toddler with her speech delay. Make reading a part of your daily routine. Read to your toddler for at least 30 minutes before bed every night. Read books that include illustrations, as pointing at and identifying things can be effective at encouraging the learning and memory processes in a child.

Doctor

• In order to fully understand your child's speech development, it is crucial to receive an assessment from a pediatrician. In many cases, a doctor may recommend that a child visit a speech therapist or speech language pathologist in order to analyze his individual needs (and help you understand how to help). Waste no time in seeking professional assistance for your child -- the quicker you get help, the more time you will have to help him with his speaking progress.

Activities

• To promote talking in a toddler, set up a lot of outings, activities and get-togethers with family and friends. For example, put together a pool party for all of his favorite neighborhood friends to attend. This type of activity can encourage talking. After the party is over, use the new experience as an opportunity to speak with your toddler. Ask your child if she had fun, what her favorite part of the event was and if she made any new friends.

Patience

• Patience is vital in assisting a toddler with a speech delay. Abstain from forcing him to talk and making him feel pressure. Allow him to have time when he is trying to get words out and never rush him. Rushing him will make him feel nervous, stressed out and perhaps afraid of trying to speak again. One such technique to avoid is coercing a child to talk by using a bribe (such as a cookie or a toy).