Don’t Say “Say”
As children begin talking more from 12 months to 24 months, it is easy to get excited and want them to use all their new words. As parents and caregivers, we may be prompted to tell our children “say …” every time they learn a new word. While we think telling them to say their new words is good practice for them, it actually may have the opposite effect.
Telling children to “say… (insert newly learned word)”
Puts pressure on them
They may shut down and not engage
They may feel like they’re being tested
They may depend on the word “say” before saying anything
They may feel embarrassed in front of others
Instead, let’s use the “modeling” strategy to model words they are familiar with or may be able to say and WAIT for them to imitate or respond. This allows for the child to hear the full word and reply independently, if they want. It also allows for more processing time. Once we say a word, give the child at least up to 5 seconds of waiting time for them to process the word and decide if they will imitate it. Sometimes they want to hear the word more times and will then imitate it later. The point is it is in their control. Modeling a word is also more natural than commanding a child to “say…”. Modeling mimics true conversational patterns in which we engage in back-and-forth communication with a more natural flow.
Modeling the word without “say”
Is easier for the child to imitate
Allows child to decide if they are ready to imitate
Allows child to be independent
Is more fun and natural!
Homework: Practice modeling words or short phrases around your little one this week. Wait up to 5 seconds after you model the word to give your child time to process and respond, if they want. Keep it simple and fun!
Stay Sunny!
Ashley Z. Pinto
