Understanding toddler speak

Understanding syntax
When children start using two-word sentences, they've begun to learn syntax, that part of grammar that applies to arranging words in meaningful sentences. The amazing thing is that they get it right. When they put more and juice together, they say more juice, not juice more. Researchers say your child is not just copying you, but he has figured out the pattern for himself. He changes the order of words only if he wants to change the meaning. If he's angry at the cat, he might say Bad cat. But if he wants to tell you that the cat is misbehaving, he says Cat bad. It represents a sophisticated understanding of the patterns of language, an understanding that sometimes leads to the misapplication of a "rule." We usually make plurals by adding the letter s, so it makes sense to the toddler to say mans for men or to call one leg of a pair of pantyhose a pantyho. We indicate an action took place in the past by adding -ed to the end of the word, so why not say I goed up? It takes some years to understand that language has almost as many exceptions as it has rules.

You can help your child figure out the rules the same way you help her learn how to pronounce words. Find a natural way to repeat her message back to her as part of the conversation and provide a model of the right way. When she tells you, "I goed up," reply by saying, "Oh! you went up! Aren't you a big girl!" Don't constantly point out the mistakes. Children learn very early to be self-conscious if they are corrected too often, and they may stop trying.

Teaching language effectively
The children who use their language well come from homes where language is an important part of family times, such as supper together, and social times. Talk about what you're doing as you do it together. If you open a box say, "See how this opens," as you demonstrate the action. When you lift your toddler into his highchair say, "Up we go!" Describe actions and objects as you are using them: "Let's put the red block on top of the blue block and move the green ones to the back."

Remember that, even if your child can understand you, it's not always easy for him to understand strangers, and vice versa. Don't hesitate to repeat another person's words to help your toddler sort out what she's saying. You may also have to interpret your child's words to the stranger.

Reading is one of the best ways to involve your child in language. Start reading to him as early as possible. Choose picture books that interest him and read him the story. If the pictures stimulate his interest, talk about the details or ask him to tell you about what he sees -- the pictures are usually created to convey much more than the words alone.