"Like every mother, I’m still waiting for that tiny voice to stammer out from my child’s mouth, making my heart leap with joy. But my child is over a year and a half and hasn’t started talking yet! Are there warning signs I should be worried about?"
Dr. Momtaz El-Masry, Professor of Child Psychiatry, explains that this concern is common. Language is not just about pronouncing words—it is the bridge connecting the child to the world and an important indicator of cognitive and social development.
It’s essential for every parent to understand the stages of language development, realize the factors that can delay speech (such as the number of children in the household or prolonged screen time), avoid common parental mistakes, and know strategies to encourage speech.
1. When Do Children Start Speaking?
Children develop language at different rates, but there are general milestones:
0–6 months: Babbling and making incomprehensible sounds.
6–9 months: Early sounds like “ba-ba” or “ma-ma,” simple repetition of syllables.
9–12 months: Imitation of simple words.
12–18 months: First real words (e.g., “mama,” “baba,” “water,” “no”).
18–24 months: Short two-word sentences emerge.
After 2 years: Rapid vocabulary growth and more complex sentence formation.
Tip: Don’t rush the process—support your child to enjoy their language journey.
2. Why Do Children Differ in Speaking Speed?
Genetics: If parents spoke late, the child may also be slightly delayed. Girls often start speaking earlier than boys.
Number of siblings: Second or third children may start speaking later because older siblings often do the talking for them.
Environment: Children exposed to active communication develop language faster than those spending long hours in front of screens.
Health factors: Hearing problems or attention difficulties can directly affect speech development.
3. Ways to Encourage Early Speech
Talk to your child from day one:
Speak to them regularly, even if they don’t understand words. Repetition is key. Examples: “Good morning, my love,” “The weather is nice,” “Mommy loves you.”
Sing simple songs and rhymes:
Songs with rhythm help connect words to melody.
Use facial expressions and gestures:
Smile, open your mouth while speaking, point, and encourage imitation.
Reduce screen time:
Avoid screens before age two—they do not teach speech and can delay it.
Read picture books daily:
Images and words enhance vocabulary even if the child doesn’t fully understand.
Ask simple questions and offer choices:
Example: Instead of “Do you want to drink?” say “Drink milk,” encouraging understanding of words.
Praise attempts at speech:
Celebrate partial words or attempts, e.g., “ma” for “mama.”
Eye-level interaction:
Eye contact boosts attention and language learning.
Associate words with actions or objects:
Give water while saying “water” or play with toys while naming them.
4. When Should You Worry About Delayed Speech?
Consult a doctor if your child:
Doesn’t babble by 6 months.
Hasn’t said any words by 18 months.
Doesn’t imitate sounds or gestures.
Doesn’t respond to their name or simple commands.
Loses previously learned skills.
Early hearing and language evaluation can make a significant difference.
5. Scientific Ways to Stimulate Speech
Breastfeeding: Linked to greater vocabulary development.
Social interaction: Group play encourages language acquisition.
Repetition from different people: Hearing words from multiple sources reinforces learning.
Movement and tactile play: Crawling and active play stimulate brain development and support speech.
6. Real Experiences from Mothers
Sarah, 31: Started telling stories at 6 months; child spoke first sentence at 1 year 3 months.
Mona, 28: Her 2-year-old didn’t speak; realized long screen hours were the cause.
Howida, 35: Eye contact was key; talking while looking into her daughter’s eyes accelerated speech.
7. Common Mistakes That Delay Speech
Using “baby talk” instead of real words.
Panicking too early—some children naturally take longer.
Comparing children with peers.
Excessive screen time depriving the child of real interaction.
Not responding when the child attempts to communicate.
Overreliance on technology apps before age two.
Tips:
Create a language-rich environment at home.
Label objects (“chair,” “door,” “cup”).
Talk during daily activities: cooking, outings, walks.
Encourage siblings to interact verbally with the infant.
This guide emphasizes that understanding developmental stages, reducing screen exposure, fostering interaction, and encouraging early communication are essential for helping children develop language skills confidently.
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