Talking with toddlers: How to support early communication

Highlights

• Toddlers develop language by observing and interacting with people around them
• Talking, playing, and reading together builds strong communication skills
• Everyday conversations help children understand and use new words
• Positive attention and a safe environment support confident communication
• Each child learns at their own pace, but general milestones can help track progress

In this article

• Understanding toddler communication
• How children learn to talk
• Making everyday talk meaningful
• Creating a language-friendly environment
• Encouraging confident communication
• Language development milestones
• When to seek professional advice
• Tools and Assistance

Understanding toddler communication

Toddlers are naturally expressive and eager to connect with those around them. As they grow, they begin to:

• Make their speech easier to understand
• Form clearer and more connected sentences
• Communicate their needs using both words and gestures

At this stage, their understanding often exceeds what they can say. It’s normal for toddlers to experience frustration or express themselves through tantrums — these behaviors reflect their growing desire to communicate.

How children learn to talk

Language skills develop as children:

• Watch and listen to people around them
• Repeat sounds and words they hear
• Receive responses from adults and siblings
• Engage with peers and other children

You can support their language development through regular conversations and by giving them space to speak, repeat, and explore language.

Making everyday talk meaningful

There’s no perfect way to talk to toddlers. The most effective approach is one that follows their lead and responds to their curiosity.

Tips to connect through conversation:

• Talk during everyday moments like driving or eating
• Use a wide variety of words (not just object names)
• Describe actions, emotions, and surroundings
• Let your toddler guide the topic of conversation
• Respond patiently, even to unclear speech

These daily interactions are valuable for building vocabulary and helping your child feel heard and supported.

Creating a language-friendly environment

The right setting can encourage toddlers to communicate confidently. Try to:

• Include your child in family conversations
• Share meals together without distractions
• Speak the language you’re most fluent in—bilingual children can learn both languages effectively
• Foster emotional safety by listening and encouraging open dialogue

Use interactive tools such as:

• Toys that promote pretend play
• Books, songs, and games with repetition
• Visits to the library or regular reading time

Encouraging confident communication

Your communication style shapes your child’s development. You can support them by:

• Asking questions about their day or feelings
• Encouraging them to express their opinions
• Praising their ideas and speech attempts
• Giving older siblings space to let younger children talk
• Naming emotions to help them understand what they feel

Minimize background distractions and offer your full attention during conversations.

Language development milestones

Each child grows at their own pace, but here are typical milestones:

Toddlers (12–18 months):

• Say 6–20 words (like “no,” “mama,” “ball”)
• Babble and make sounds
• Point to objects when named

Around 2 years:

• Say around 50 words
• Combine two words
• Begin asking for things
• Try new sounds

Preschoolers (4–5 years):

• Ask “why,” “what,” and “when”
• Use short sentences
• Have conversations with others
• Say most words clearly
• Know their name, age, and address

When to seek professional advice

It’s helpful to talk to a health professional if your child:

• Isn’t reaching expected milestones
• Struggles to be understood
• Rarely talks or interacts with others
• Avoids eye contact or seems withdrawn
• Frequently has ear infections or trouble hearing
• Has persistent stuttering or speech regression

Early support from a speech pathologist can strengthen communication skills and boost confidence.

Tools and Assistance

• Stay patient and curious — each child develops at their own pace
• Observe and talk to your child throughout the day — every moment is a learning opportunity
• Turn off background noise when speaking to help them focus on your voice
• Use storytelling, reading, and songs as regular language-building activities
• Play simple games that involve turn-taking and naming objects or actions
• Offer comfort and praise during communication attempts, even if speech is unclear