The benefits of talking to your baby are similar to those of reading to them. They develop language and communication skills, confidence and make sense of the world through your words.
A baby’s brain triples in size in the first three years. As they soak up the sights, sounds and tones, you as a father can play an important role in helping them achieve their developmental milestones.
But, talking to your child doesn’t always come easy. It may seem unnatural, so we at Daddy’s Digest have put together the need to know facts to help dads take the lead.
Here is what you should know.
1. Talking to your baby helps them make sense of the world around them. While they may not understand you, your words soothe, build trust and help develop confidence in them.
2. There is a direct relationship between positive cognitive development (thinking, knowing, remembering and problem-solving) and how much a child is spoken to.
3. The more words a baby hears, the faster they develop their vocabulary. The faster they develop their vocabulary, the faster they learn to read.
4. A baby’s young developing mind craves rhythmic sounds, so baby talk is a wonderful way to start.
5. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of talking to your baby. Narrate as you do things around the house, talk to them while changing their diaper or feeding them, repeat words like “dada, mama” that you’d like them to learn.
6. Keep things interesting by reading to them, singing to them and being expressive and animated. It never hurts to be silly.
7. While the conversation may seem one-sided, if you give your child your full attention as you talk to them, you will notice them playing close attention to you or even responding by cooing, smiling or laughing.
8. Talk to your baby as much as possible but remember that babies need quiet time as well. If you notice your child getting agitated, restless or grumpy as you talk, they may be overstimulated.
Our guide outlines the facts based on research from several online and offline resources. If you are in doubt or worried about your baby’s health or development, consult with a qualified medical professional or doctor immediately.
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