Listening and talking Eileen Hayes Ideas to help you support your child's speech and understanding.

By the time your child is 12 to 18 months old, she's already learned several words and can understand many more. By the age of two, most children have about 100 words of vocabulary.

Aim to encourage all your child's early attempts at speaking and don't laugh if she makes a mistake.

Give names to all the things your child points to. It's by copying the sounds and words you make - "that's your cup" or "there's a car" - she learns much of her language.

Listening tips

• Read together - this helps to develop words, language and listening skills
• Find special times to listen - this may be at bedtime or while your child's in the bath
• Show you're interested in listening - ask 'open questions' about what your child’s been doing, and what he likes, and give prompts to help him continue
• Be patient - it can take small children time to sort out what they want to say so don't interrupt too quickly or rush to speak for your child
• Show an interest - look at creative drawings and listen to stories your child wants to tell you
• Be sympathetic and ready to listen - explain to him how to express negative feelings using words, for example, "yes, you're sad because you hurt your hand" or "when Peter took your toy, it made you cross"

Common listening issues

Toddlers hate waiting and may forget what they were trying to say. If you're busy and know your child wants to talk to you, say something like "I'll be with you in a minute. I just have to finish this phone call."

They don't want to talk. Parents often say their toddlers won't tell them about their day at nursery or a visit to a friend's house. Ask open questions that don't just require a 'yes' or 'no' answer, and give gentle encouragement by prompting, reflecting back what your child says and showing you're interested.

They never seem to stop talking. By the time they're three years old, most children are in a phase of asking endless questions. Answer as patiently as you can - your responses are helping your child learn. And appreciate this stage while it lasts: only small children think you have all the answers.

They're always whining. Don't fall into the trap of always responding to whining and give positive attention when he speaks normally.

They communicate without words. Sometimes children can't find the right words to explain how they're feeling. Watch your child's behaviour and think about what he might be trying to express. Behaving badly often means a child is feeling bad, for example.