Ask Less Questions, Make More Comments!
When children start producing words, usually around 12 months to 24 months of age, we, as parents, have a natural desire to hear them speak more and repeat their new words. One of the main ways to get children to speak is to ask them questions so it is necessary for them to respond. The child may respond the first few times, but as the questions keep coming, it is likely the child will shut down.
Asking too many questions can put a child under pressure. They may feel like they are being tested, and as a result, they will stop answering, ignore you or walk away.
Instead, we can restructure our questions into comments. Once you comment and narrate more around your child, they may begin speaking and responding at their own comfort level. Also, if you comment, narrate and describe, it allows a child to hear more words and gain more exposure to new vocabulary and grammar. After a child hears various words more frequently, they will feel comfortable to start using these words independently. Commenting and describing is also a more natural interaction compared to asking and answering ongoing questions. Keep your interactions stress-free and fun!
An easy Rule of Thumb to follow is to “ask 1 question for every 3 comments,” and mix it up!
Here are some examples of changing questions into comments:
What color is it? → It’s red!
What is that? → Look, it’s a dog!
What is he doing? → He is running!
Some situations to use the “1 question for every 3 comments” rule:
When reading a book
Doggy!
Look, a blue car
The dog is sleeping
What is that?!
When playing house:
She is eating
Green table
Where is the boy?
Knock knock!
Homework: Practice changing your questions into comments when interacting with your little one this week!
Stay Sunny!
