#MyKids- Talking to Toddlers and Kids

I was in the pool today when one mummy came up to talk with me about my kids. She was with her 2 year old cute son.Her son is closing to 2, still mumble and talk gibberish. She was worried that something was wrong with him. I am no expert but the boy look fine. He could understand me well, when i ask him if he like the pool. He nod and mumble something i couldn't make out.She ask how old were my girls, and Sarah being the talkative one answered for me. She then ask me a weird question. How did I teach them to talk?.

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Sarah was an early talker, unlike Sofea who still learning at the age of 1. I guess its just in the genes. But for me simple. From small, i encourage those around Sarah & Sofea to speak to them as if they understand. Yes you can make it fun with little noises but make sure speak clearly, using proper words and phrases. Kids mind are like sponges that absorbs water like Spongebob in his pineapple. Yerp! Talk to them by explaining things and make sure you tone of voice is at the right decibel so that they know when something is right, wrong, funny and etc.I know when Sarah or Sofea is paying attention to what I am saying as they will smile, laugh or respond back in their baby way.

I had one cousin when he was young my uncle use to talk to him in such a way that he only picks up the end of each word. For instance if you were to say,' Nak pergi mana tu?' it becomes 'Nak g ner tu?' or if you say ' Kita dah lapar ni, jom la makan' translated to the way he speaks will be 'Te apar ni nak kan'. It was very hard for others to understand. Only my uncle could and my cousin had a rough time going trough Kindergarten. Luckily he had a good teach and broke him out from that habbit. Primary was also dificult for him until he was in primary 2.

So how to teach you ask me,I am not a pro but i do this:

1. Always talk to your kids in the proper way using proper words and sentence.This way they will learn properly.Doesnt matter English or Malay as long as the word is right.
2. Start as early as when they are babies. Have light conversation when bathing them, feeding them. I know it sounds silly cause you will be the only one talking and answering to yourself.But they will learn.
3. When you talk to them,treat them like they understand but explain to them slowly when they do not understand you
4. Make sure when you talk to them , have their eye contact or attention. They tend to learn faster
5. Make it interesting but do not talk to them in a babyish or gibberish way.
6. Read to them books and tell them stories.
7. Always engage them in simple and light conversation. Check them when they say something wrong.
8. When they start talking, take time to listen to them. Dont always hurry them or push them away.

Even when my friends and family come around they speak to them normal except a few who still like to treat them like babies. Sarah talks a lot but she has a lot to learn. She is a bit confuse now between English and Malay which is something i have to work out this year.