How YOU can help your child’s speech and language grow
(12 - 18 months):

• show new objects and toys to your child - talk about what you and your child are doing - use short sentences
  
• play with your child using the toys he/she likes
  
• read lots of books together, but don't worry about reading all the words - talk about what your child is interested in
  
• pay attention to what your child is saying instead of how he/she is saying it - his/her speech won't be clear yet
  
• don't just get what your child wants; wait for your child to ask
  
• if your child doesn't say a word properly, repeat it the right way without correcting him
  
• don't use "baby talk" - use real words
  
• use words to label objects, actions and describe how things look, feel, taste and sound

Adapted with permission from material developed by First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program of Ottawa-Carleton led by Pinecrest-Queensway Health and Community Services.

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