Baby development: Why talking to your child is important

Talking to your baby is not only important for teaching language, but is vital in acknowledging his or her feelings, thereby teaching empathy.

Creating listening skills

Explaining actions and feelings soothes your baby and creates good listening and reasoning skills, which no TV programme can do.

Tone calms your baby

While it may feel ridiculous explaining actions and feelings to a young baby, there is something about the tone of your voice that calms them.

For example; speaking to a baby of a few weeks old, you might say: “I know you don’t want to take your clothes off. I know you feel cold and uncomfortable. Let’s quickly wash the dirt of the day off and you’ll be snug and warm in your clean clothes.”

While babies won’t understand every word you are saying, they will know that the tone of your voice is reassuring, which makes them feel safe.

Children imitate adults

Because children imitate adults, they will, as they grow older, begin to find the words to express their feelings, and explain their behaviour in the same way you do.

So, take the time to talk to your baby.

About the Author: Article by Claire Marketos, www.inspiredparenting.co.za