It may sound like a given, but talking to your child is extremely important. Since 80% of your child’s brain development happens from birth to age three, words are vital to building that structure.
As much as babies are wired to pick up sounds, tones, words, and gestures, adults seem wired to provide all that stimulus through baby talk, singing, reading, and answering all the “why?” questions that come up in early childhood. If multiple languages are spoken in your home, don’t worry about using more than one. Adults should speak in a language they are fluent in because it teaches the fullness of that language. Don’t worry if Papá speaks Spanish, Auntie speaks Yup’ik, and daycare is in English. Children can handle it!
Remember talking is teaching!
