Child Speech Development

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It is evident that genes play a big role in determining child speech development, however it is also evident that the language part of the brain is also highly influenced by a child's experience and exposure to speech.

The way we raise our children and the quality of language we expose our children to will greatly shape their speech development and linguistic brain.

Children are raised in all different sorts of language environments, such as those with:

• constant conversations, stimulated by chatty siblings, parents and carers;
• regular intervals of silence with simply shy family members who aren't comfortable conversing with children;
• lots of language exposure - mostly from the television.

How can we as parents enhance child speech and language development regardless of genetics?

The most obvious influence over child language development is the mere amount parents talk to their children. That is, parents who address and respond to the children early in life tend to have greater vocabulary and IQ scores.

The quality of language parents use when addressing their children (such as using different nouns and adjectives, varying lengths of phrases and sentences) is beneficial for child language development.

Parents who respond to their children in more positive ways, rather than negative ways has proven benefits. That is, providing more positive feedback in conversations and asking their children to do things, rather than telling them to.

Toddlers in particular may be more prone to hearing more "no's" and "don'ts". Parents can try to divert their use of language with a toddler in suggesting they do things, instead of what not to do. For example, instead of saying "Don't drop that cup!", try suggesting what to do "Try to hold onto the cup carefully".

It is best for your child if language is directed to the child and not have language simply surrounding them. Face to face conversations, attention and interaction with children is essential for language development.

Go to Activities for Teaching Vocabulary for specific ideas on how to enrich child speech development and;

Baby Speech for early enrichment ideas.

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I have found a fabulous resource site for children with speech delays:

ApraxiaSpeaks.com Learn about the childhood speech development and the neurological condition of verbal apraxia.