Communicating With Your Baby

What Should I Do?

Your baby is listening to everything you say, and storing it away at an incredible rate. Instead of using "baby" words, teach your child the correct names for people, places, and things. Speak slowly and clearly, and keep it simple.

Your baby may still be communicating with gestures such as pointing to something he or she wants. Gestures are OK, but you should use a running commentary such as, "Do you want a drink?" (when he or she points to the refrigerator), then wait for a response. Then say, "What do you want? Milk? OK, let's get some milk." Such behavior encourages your baby to respond and participate in conversations. But don't frustrate your baby by withholding food or drink waiting for a response.

Between 15 and 18 months, your baby will probably begin to enjoy language games that ask him or her to identify things, such as: "Where's your ear?" and "Where is Mommy?" Your child's vocabulary will grow quickly, but pronunciation isn't likely to keep pace. Resist the temptation to correct your baby's pronunciation; most babies mispronounce their words. Instead, emphasize the correct pronunciation in your response.
Should I Be Concerned?

Some babies don't talk until their second birthday and choose instead to get by with the use of gestures and sounds. Vocabulary varies widely at this age, too; some babies say dozens of words, others only a few.

Most babies this age have these communication milestones in common:

* speak about 15 words by 18 months
* put two words together to form a sentence by age 2
* follow simple directions by age 2

Hearing problems may become more apparent during this stage because of the emergence of speech. Don't hesitate to report any concerns you have to your doctor immediately, especially if you feel your child is not babbling or responding to your speech patterns. Sometimes chronic ear infections can leave kids with excessive fluid buildup that can interfere with normal hearing. Special tests can check for hearing loss.

Some parents worry that a toddler who is not speaking may have autism. Children with autism and related conditions may have delayed speech or other problems with communication, but poor social interactions, and limited or restricted interests or patterns of behavior are also hallmarks of the disorder. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's development, talk with your doctor.

APHA CROSSWORD ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN

The first letter of each answer appears next to its clue in
alphabetical order. All the first letters have been entered

into the grid. Can you complete the puzzle?

A. Fruit of the oak tree (5)

B. Something to read (4)

B. Insect (3)

C. Taxi (3)

C. Desert animal (5)

D. Sand hills (5)

E. The night before (3)

G. Type of antelope (7)

G. Precious stones (4)

I. Ice hut (5)

I. Writing fluid (3)

J. Type of music (4)

J. Fruit drink (5)

K. Tap on a door (5)

L. Jump (4)

S. Unhappy (3)

S. Brief periods of rain (7)

S. Snow runner (3)

10 Tips for Choosing Books for Children of All Ages

* Have children choose their own books as soon as they start showing a preference for one over another.
* Find the children's section of your local library. Get to know the librarian, who can be a great resource.
* Find out what your child is interested in
* Ask friends, family, and teachers what books their children have enjoyed
* If your child does not like a book you are reading together, put it away. Reading is a fun time to share, not a time to fight.
* Again, Again, Again! Children may want to read the same book many times, even if you think they have outgrown it.
* Use book lists generated by various literacy organizations;
* Look for books that you will like reading aloud. Your enjoyment will shine through and become contagious.
* Try out different kinds of books to see what appeals to your children.
* Have fun! Show your children the joy of reading and how it can open up a brand new world!

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