Parents: talk to your kids

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 36, 18 February 1986, Page 5

Parents: talk to your kids

Language learning is a very complicated process so it is not surprising that many language disorders can occur. Children only learn what they hear and what they experience. Parents therefore need to talk constantly to their children. " Talk about things you do and things you see.

Check that your child knows the names of common household objects such as cup, knife or sock. Children should be able to talk about objects and describe what they are used for

and be able to answer questions and understand most of what is said to them. Children learn to speak at different rates, but by 1 Vi to 2 years of age, most children should have begun talking. By 2 !/2 to 3 years a child should be putting two words together. By 3 to V/i years children should be using three and four words together. They should also be using some sentences and understanding almost everything that is said to them. Children should be using full sentences by 4 years while there will still be a few grammatical mistakes. However by 5 to 6 years a child should be using sentences while resemble those of adults. If you think your child's language is falling behind others of similar age your speech therapist can give you suggestions for ways you can help. Contact Alison Anderson, Ohakune Phone 58-385 Monday, Friday, Waiouru Phone 56-663 Wednesday, Taihape Phone 332 Thursday.

This is the second of three articles by Waimarino speech therapist Alison Anderson in which she outlines aspects of her work.