CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE DISORDERS
TALK!
Parents can talk to their children from the earliest months of life. Babies especially enjoy listening to mothers and fathers who talk to them during activities such as bathing and feeding.
READ!
Parents can take time to read to their children each day. Even infants enjoy story time with high-interest picture books. Choose age-appropriate books and other reading materials readily available from your public library.
LISTEN!
Parents can listen to their children and encourage their children to engage in conversations with family members and other children. Children will make mistakes in speech and language as they develop new skills; parents should avoid discouraging children’s development by overcorrecting these mistakes.
MONITOR!
Parents can monitor their child’s speech and language development relative to age-specific language development expectations. Pediatricians/primary care physicians, public health clinics, and public libraries have child development materials including developmental expectations for speech and language.
BE INTERESTED!
Parents can take an interest in their child’s school activities and participate in homework assignments. Parents should encourage independent problem solving and praise children for completing difficult assignments.
BE A ROLE MODEL!
Parents are a child’s most important role model. Parents can demonstrate that listening, reading, writing, and learning are enjoyable, lifelong activities. Parents should set aside quiet time for independent reading for themselves and their school age children each day.
TAKE THE INITIATIVE!
Parents can request a hearing test and speech and language evaluation if they are concerned about their child’s development. Free screenings are available through their school district’s “Child Find” program listed in the telephone book.