Supporting Your Child’s Language Development

Children learn how to communicate from their earliest days. Within the first few years of their lives, they begin to talk, and this communication provides the foundation needed for language development in later life. Parents and carers play a crucial role in this language development. Learning to talk happens naturally, but how you respond to your child’s attempts to communicate can help strengthen their communication skills.

When a young child’s language is developing, they might not always have the words to explain how they are feeling. Instead, they express themselves in other ways, such as through their behaviour. Some children may hit out or bite when they feel frustrated because we don’t understand what they’re trying to tell us.

When children are learning to speak, understand and communicate, they typically follow an expected series of milestones that happen at certain ages. Every child develops at their own rate and these should be seen as a rough guide rather than a strict list to work through. However, if you’re worried that your child is not reaching these developmental milestones, it’s important to seek professional help from your GP.

Up to 3 months

Your child learns the sound of your voice and smiles when you talk. They can make sounds and their cry changes for different needs.

3 – 6 months

At this stage, your child makes speech-like babbling sounds and pays attention to music. They giggle and laugh, and move their eyes towards sounds.

6 – 12 months

Now your child can understand words for common items and people, like ‘cup’ and ‘daddy’. They turn when you call their name and respond to simple phrases, like, “Come here.” You spot them using gestures, like waving, and shaking their head, to communicate.

1 – 2 years

Your child’s language development really takes off at this point. They can understand simple questions, follow short instructions, and use lots of new words. You’ll spot them putting two words together and asking simple questions like, “What’s that?”

2 – 3 years

Now your child has a word for almost everything! They can use two or three words to talk about and ask for things and understand new words quickly. They understand