My Child Store

Once Upon a Potty--Girl (Spanish edition): Mi bacinica y yo (para ella) asin: 0694016489

Potty Training (Baby Signs) author: Linda Acredolo,Susan Goodwyn asin: 1933877103

"How come my friend's children speak so well for their age!?"

Ah.. it seems that you can't help but spend a good deal of time, either extolling the virtues of your child, or deflecting the topic away from the shortcomings of your child.

It's rough to be a parent, especially if you are competitive and need to show to the world that you are better in some way.

Let me just say... it is hard enough for most children, you shouldn't add that extra pressure onto your child. Having said that... how DOES my friend's child speak so well for their age!?

"Monkey See, Monkey Do" or "Lead By Example"

Let's face it. Unless your child is being parented by someone else 24/7, there is a good chance that what you do will rub off on your child. So, do you read? Do you read to your child? To you speak to your child? And.. no, I'm not referring to when you might be yelling, snapping, coaxing, or otherwise trying to convince your child to do something.

I'm talking about honestly conversing with your child. Whether it is baby babble or just repeatedly asking and answering simple questions, while playing with your child. Every moment counts and it all adds up.

Conversely, if you ignore your child or spend all of your time just getting them to "shut up" so they won't bug you while you're trying to enjoy your television show... well, I think there might be some developmental differences in your child's future... not necessarily good ones, mind you.

Vocabulary... Definitions... Repetition!

For most of your child's younger years, they will be doing alot of repeating of words and phrases. They have to, it's really the only learning tool they have at that point. Later, they will learn by context clues and association, but for now... it's brute force memorization and just learning by repeating it.

YOU have to be there to help them, expose them to different words. The faster your child builds up their vocabulary, the faster they will be able to piece those words together and start forming sentences.

It's like giving your child enough blocks to build bridges. If they don't have enough time or materials, they will not be able to build a very long or wide bridge. If you give your child both the time and materials, then they will build the longest and stoutest bridge they can.

Those wonderful genes you passed onto your child is only the potential. You've got to help them grow to their potential.

So, invest that extra time! It will surely help!

Sources/Resources

• University of Michigan Medical Page on Reading