Can DVDs help my child's language development?
Transcript
Communicating with your child in daily life is essential for facilitating your child's language development. You do not need any special tools. Some audiovisual resources like DVDs and TV shows do provide attractive visual images to hold children's attention and rich ideas for parents to talk with their children. Nonetheless, it is only delivered one-way in a continuous manner no matter your child understands or not. So, if you plan to let your child to watch TV or DVD, you should choose something appropriate to your child's developmental level and non-violent. It is best to watch the show together with your child. Observe his responses to the show and respond accordingly. This will guide him to understand the content as well as enhancing your bonding with him.
How can I help my child to talk?
In everyday life, the crucial point of learning to talk is to follow his interests and let him take the lead. Use simple language to communicate with him according to your child's level of understanding. For example, if you are having pretend plays with him, you can describe the toys in front of him; or describe what you are doing when you play with him, such as “Give me the bowl”, “Baby is eating”. By doing so, you can facilitate his understanding of words and he can gradually learn to talk.
If my child still refuses to talk, what can I do?
Do not force your child to talk as it may affect his interest in communicating with you. If he tries to talk, encourage him by praising his effort even though he may not be able to speak clearly. Each child is unique and a wide variation in the pace of language development is normal. As long as both of you interact in a pleasant mood, you devote yourself in playing and talking with him, and respond immediately to your child's words or vocalization, that will be good enough.
If you want to know more about how to promote the language development of your child, you can contact the nurses at the Maternal and Child Health Centre.