How toddlers learn to speak

Responding to questions
As any parent will tell you, the single most popular question is Why? Sometimes the Why? questions are easy to answer. Sometimes, there is no answer at all, as in the following exchange:

TODDLER: Who that man?
MOTHER: That's Mr. Johnson.
TODDLER: Why?

If there is no answer to a Why? question, find a way of diverting the conversation. Ask if she wants to know what job Mr. Johnson does.

If the question is a good one and you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to say so. You cannot know everything, and children's questions could require surprisingly sophisticated answers. If you think the child is really interested, take the opportunity for you both to find the answer, whether in the natural world, in a book, or in other resources at home or at a library. It gives the toddler the message that building up knowledge is fun and worthwhile.

Inappropriate words
As your child's language skills improve, he may use them in ways that might bother you. Preschoolers like to boast, especially when they are with other children their own age, everything from My dad is bigger than your dad to My mom is older than your mom. Don't take it too seriously. Just be prepared to intervene if things come to blows.

To some parents, the bigger problem is the use of "dirty" or rude language. Children learn language just by being exposed to it. Don't be upset by it - sometimes they say inappropriate words because they find them funny or just to test your reaction. In either case, the best reaction is to not overreact. Recognize that you have to teach your social guidelines for talking, and calmly tell the toddler, "We don't say that in our house." Keep in mind that your guidelines depend on where you are and who is with you. Words that might not bother you at home can be embarrassing if uttered in front of grandma. Again, tell the child the rules simply and calmly: "We don't say that when we are with grandma." Teach your child what is appropriate to say and when, in the same way that you teach all your other family values.