Development

Toddler's Two-Word Sentences

A speech decoder for those baffling phrases

By Kimberly Tranell, Parenting
 
 
See Also
Top 10 Child Development Articles - Parenting.com
Suddenly your toddler is speaking in two-word "sentences," though you probably catch only half of what she says. As babies grow, they're better able to produce the various sounds of speech, but some sounds come much later than others because they require more complex movements, says Diane Paul, Ph.D., coauthor of Talking on the Go. Keep this guide handy so you'll know what your little chatterbox is actually saying:

What she's trying to say: Eat cookie
What you'll hear: E too'
Why she can't say it yet: Toddlers have a hard time creating sounds that come from the back of the throat (like "kuh" for "c" and "k"), often subbing an earlier-developing sound, the easier "tuh."
How you can help: Use lots of words with these sounds.

What she's trying to say: More juice
What you'll hear: Mo' doo
What she can't say it yet: Your child will leave off the "r" and sub the "d" for "j" because they develop later, along with "l," "s," and "z."
How you can help: Repeat the words correctly, stretching out the sounds.

What she's trying to say: Mama drive
What you'll hear: Mama dive
What she can't say it yet: It takes a more complex combination of movements of the lips and tongue to blend two sounds, so kids will say the first one.
How you can help: Point out things that are "blue" and "brown." Take advantage of mealtimes, too: Say words with consonant blends, like "cheese," "chicken," and "bread." 


PRINT
Quick Poll

Who's the best-trained member of your family?

My husband
My child
Our pet


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

12 Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes for Babies

Cheap, easy-to-make and quick costumes for your baby

promotion
 

Blog: The Daily Fave

Shawn: "Sure, it helps to know what a mucus plug is, but mostly guys need books that offers simple, streamlined, practical info that doesn't get bogged down with a lot of 'medical diagrams' or 'compound sentences.' Well have I got the book for you, Pops." Updated frequently.

Blog: The Parenting Post

Mighty Maggie: "I have been in charge of the family finances for about a year now and I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM DOING." Updated Daily!

The Best Toys of 2009

We're giving away over $900 worth of toys! Enter BOTH giveaways once a day until December 14
Birthday Parties

31 Amazing Birthday Cake Designs

Sweet! The easiest, cutest cakes for boys and girls