Language development
The first word often appears unannounced and seemingly quite insignificant: a child sits on their play mat and suddenly utters clearly and distinctly "Mom". Or it points to the toy shelf and suddenly demands "car". However surprising the first word for many parents is – it is the first audible result of a development that began months earlier.
Some experts believe that the foundations for language acquisition are already laid in the womb. But how does language development work in children and what can parents do to support their children in learning to speak?
How children learn to speak
All children develop at their own pace, and this also applies to language development. However, it is also clear that children's language acquisition is already active long before they speak. One can name two basic prerequisites for healthy language development: on the one hand the necessary physical and organic functions, and on the other hand a communicative and stimulating environment.
Learning to speak is fun!
Children love discovering their voice. You have probably already been delighted by a little gurgle when your child hears their own voice and is amazed for the first time. You can combine learning to speak with many wonderful activities.
Rhyming, singing, reading aloud together – all of this stimulates your child's communicative abilities. And don't worry if it takes longer – your child will take the time they need, and when the first word comes, you will surely be over the moon!
