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Home › Articles › Speech and Language Issues › Talking Toddlers Telling Tales

Talking Toddlers Telling Tales

Speech Milestones and Tips
for Parents

By Mindy Hudon, M.S.,CCC-SLP

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Speech Milestones

  • Between 24 to 36 months, your toddler will start to ask simple questions, "What's that?" or "Where's my car?" He will begin to use a variety of prepositions like, "Mouse on house," or "Fish in a tree?" You will enjoy hearing your toddler start to use a variety of pronouns, such as "I can color," "Look at me," and "Are you leaving?"
  • By the time your toddler turns 3, you should be able to understand his speech most of the time. He may mispronounce some sounds like "l, r, th, ch, sh, j, v" and some consonant blends such as "str, tr, st, bl, etc."
  • Some children acquire speech sounds much earlier or later than others. These sounds require precision and coordination of your child's tongue, lips and palate. As your child matures, he will gradually correct his speech sound patterns. It is important that parents encourage correct speech sounds. Over exaggerate sounds in words and use nonsense words to encourage speech, such as "He can go like a train CHOO, CHOO, CHOO, CHOO. He can go like a clock. He can TICK. He can TOCK."

Rice-Fenstermaker says parents need to realize that communication exchange does not always mean asking your child questions. "Just verbalizing about the situation is helpful. Such as, 'I see you really like those potato chips. I like potato chips, too!' In other words, keep in mind that too many questions can be overwhelming to your child and at times it's all right if he just listens," she says.

At this age, your toddler will start to develop his social use of language. Social language includes greeting others, taking turns, looking at others when talking, and answering questions. "Parents can be great role models when helping children develop social skills," adds Rice-Fenstermaker. It's important to model greetings, how to participate in conversational turn taking, and answering questions.

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