- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Mindy Hudon Speech and Language Pathologist | ||
 |
How can I provide a rich language environment for my 1-year-old?
Providing a rich language environment for toddlers is essential. Talk about everything that you or your toddler is doing ("That's a big cookie. That cookie tastes good.") Also, talk about things in your environment ("See the blue bird. That bird is flying up in the sky.") Help your toddler learn to ask questions, like "More cookie?" or "Help?"
At this age, children enjoy cause and effect games. Hide and Seek is a great example of this type of game. Go around a corner and when they say a sound or a word, respond by saying, "Boo" or "Did you call me?" Then say, "Bye, bye." Do this again and again."
Related Expert Q&A
- Is 2 too young to put a child in competitive sports?
- Is it OK if I sometimes let my children play by themselves?
- What should I look for in an organized physical activity program for my child?
- Should I enroll my child in an organized physical activity program?
- I've been hearing a lot about brain research and how important movement is to brain development. Is this true?
More Answers by this Expert
- My 10-month-old's babbles are starting to sound more like actual letters now. What letter sounds are generally a baby's first?
- My 1-year-old has started to say two-syllable words such as "ma ma," "da da," "ba ba" and "boo boo." What are some techniques to increase his vocabulary?
- Where is a good place to find videotapes, CDs, etc., for teaching my child different languages?
- Is it true that learning a foreign language at the preschool and toddler age is easier than for a middle school child?
- My 7-year-old still talks with a slight lisp. Should I consider speech therapy?