If you have a newborn and want to encourage language development, you may be wondering how to talk to them. Perhaps you are not very familiar with young children and want to know how to relate to your nephew or a friend's child. A good "childish conversation" builds on a solid foundation of emotional and gestural dialogue that reinforces the words. Newborns have high perceptual sensitivity, they can read your emotions and understand what you are trying to say. There are many things you can do to make this process easier for a child.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Encourage the Newborn
Step 1. Imitate it
Some people are nervous when talking to a newborn, but you don't need to worry, as there isn't necessarily a right or wrong way to go about it. However, there are several things you can do to make the conversation enjoyable and effective for both of you. One of the best ways to talk to your baby is to simply repeat what he says.
- By imitating him, you let him know that you care about what he is trying to tell you.
- Simply repeat the sounds it makes; for example, if he says "Ta Ta", you also repeat "Ta Ta" immediately after; use different intonations of voice to make your "dialogue" more like a conversation.
- As you repeat his vocalizations, show him extra encouragement by smiling and using a positive tone of voice.
Step 2. Be ready to react
Express enthusiasm when you talk to him; respond in an excited tone to any noise it makes. If he is crying, respond by verbalizing definite words; try to tell him: "What's wrong? Are you hungry?".
- The child understands when you are showing attention and when he is "talking" to you, answer him.
- If he hasn't started vocalizing yet, but you see he's observing his surroundings and trying to grab something, you can respond to this type of signal; for example, you can say, "Are you looking for your brother? Luca is here and he's coloring right now."
Step 3. Show him enthusiasm
The baby is able to interpret your tone of voice, so make sure it is encouraging. When you talk to him you have to show enthusiasm; in this way, you let him know that you are interested and involved in his activities.
- He exclaims when he does something; for example, you can say: "Wow, what a beautiful smile! So you brighten my day!".
- Express encouraging phrases to show your enthusiasm. You can say, "I'm so happy to be home from work, so I can have a nice time with you!". The baby doesn't understand words, but he can sense your mood.
Step 4. Describe the day
The newborn may not understand everything you do, but the best way to teach him is to show him and tell him about your actions. Describe what you do throughout the day; you can tell him: "Let me dress you and then let's go have breakfast." After hearing these phrases repeatedly, the child begins to receive them.
- Use descriptive words. Try saying phrases like, "It's important to put your cap on, it's a cold day today. Brrr!".
- Experts have not found that speaking to the child in his own language can limit his ability to learn. So feel free to mix a childish and silly tone or a quirky phrase you like in your story; do what feels natural, combining phrases and words of adult language.
Step 5. Sing him something
Research has found that newborns can notice rhythmic patterns as early as they are only one day old; this means that from birth, music can be an important aspect of their life. You can then sing to bond with your baby.
- Singing and music are comforting to him, he sings a simple melody when he throws a tantrum.
- It has been found that singing is also positive for the development of his language; choose an old song you like, a sweet melody or play some of your favorite Adele songs.
Method 2 of 4: Communicate Effectively
Step 1. Smile
Keep in mind that when you talk to your baby your gestures are just as important as your words; reinforce what you are saying to him with appropriate facial expressions. Smiling is especially important, as infants understand that it conveys a positive feeling.
- In turn, the child may start to smile spontaneously, especially when he sees people he is able to recognize; you can then encourage this behavior by smiling at him.
- Play some visual games, such as "Boobo … settete!" and when you show your face you smile big.
Step 2. Be patient
You must remember that everything is new to him and he is unable to verbally express his needs or emotions in an appropriate way; you must therefore be indulgent and kind when you talk to him.
- Try different remedies. If he is having a tantrum, you can try to fix the problem by feeding him, changing his diaper, or cuddling him.
- Remember that children also need space. Sometimes the baby may seem temperamental to you for no apparent reason, but he may be simply too stimulated; in this case, be patient and leave it quiet in a quiet place for a while.
Step 3. Use the appropriate tone of voice
Children, as well as adults, are able to perceive the intention from the tone; when speaking to the creature, the most important thing is to use a warm and happy tone of voice, in order to reinforce every positive thing you are saying to her.
- Some studies have found that newborns respond to a female tone of voice; this is because many people instinctively turn to babies with a brighter hue. This is a perfect way to talk to your child.
- Use a cheerful, lighthearted tone no matter what you're saying. It's okay to say "Damn, I spilled the milk!" as long as you pronounce it in an optimistic tone.
Step 4. Show him physical affection
You don't have to be afraid to fill it with kisses; Research has found that infants who receive a lot of physical attention grow up with less anxiety. Physical displays of affection can offer incredible benefits to the baby.
- In addition to kissing him, you can also hug and gently cuddle him.
- Another way to show physical affection is to tickle their belly or feet.
Step 5. Listen to it
The child is able to understand when you are paying attention to him; show him that you are attentive to his gestures by letting him know that you listen to him with interest and maintain eye contact with him when he tries to vocalize.
Don't interrupt him when he is "talking"; listening to his verses is a perfect way to encourage his language development
Method 3 of 4: Talk to an Older Child
Step 1. Find out about its development
Although the baby reacts to the words and voice almost immediately, it takes some time for him to understand the meaning of each individual term. For example, most babies begin to recognize and react to their names when they are about nine months old; when he reaches 12-15 months he is able to make some simple requests, such as "stop" or "silence, please". Remember, however, that each child follows their own pace.
- Many do not understand complex sentences made up of multiple prepositions until they reach the age of three; for example, the expression "Take your toys and put them away" is not understood by babies during the first two years of life.
- Talk to your pediatrician to examine your child's specific development.
Step 2. Encourage him to speak
One of the best ways to help him develop language skills is to talk to him; in this way, learn to listen to the words and observe your gestures. For example, when you are about to feed him, you can say, "Are you ready for your meal?"; the baby begins to understand this phrase when he is about 9 months old.
- By the time he is about a year old, he has a vocabulary of about 20 words, usually related to the family environment, such as "mom", "dad" and sometimes "milk".
- When he talks to you, you have to make him understand that you are listening carefully; for example, if he asks you for milk, you have to answer with: "Here is your milk! Thank you for using the correct words to ask for it!".
Step 3. Teach him new terms
You can help him enrich his vocabulary by teaching him new words; make sure it's a fun process though. Kids love to play simple games, so make language teaching a recreational activity.
- For example, you can invent a game where you teach him the terms of certain parts of his body. You can say, "Where is Michele's nose?", While you touch the tip of his nose and laugh.
- Songs are also a perfect way to teach him new words; those with rhymes help him to listen to patterns in language. Even the words accompanied by the movements are perfect, like "The boss's machine".
- One of the best ways to teach him new words is to read him some stories, which is also a perfect way to strengthen the bond between you.
Method 4 of 4: Know the Benefits
Step 1. Help him develop his brain
Talking to him is a lot of fun and is also very important to his development. Studies have found that pronouncing words is one of the main aspects of a baby's early learning; by turning to him you help him learn.
Use a combination of words, facial expressions, and gestures to show him that you are committed to communicating with him
Step 2. Improve his emotions
By talking to him you help him develop emotionality, as well as intellect; by addressing him with words you are showing him social skills and human reactions. For its part, listening to your words begins to experience emotions, such as happiness and excitement.
Listening to conversations represents for him the first way to learn to interact with people
Step 3. Strengthen Your Bond
Babies respond naturally to their mother's voice. It is a completely instinctive thing, since they started to feel it even before they were born; if you are not his mother, you can improve your bond by talking to him.
By bonding with him, you increase his sense of safety and security
Advice
- Follow your instinct; you know what's best for him.
- If you're trying to bond with your friend's baby, ask him for advice on how to communicate appropriately.
