Your Clever Toddler in Week 93: Watch for a Vocabulary Spurt!

With all this talk about, well, talk, it's important for you to use language that will both encourage your child's language development and reward good behavior. Here are three tactics you can try:

• Identify your toddler's wants. When your child points at the cracker box, don't just give her a cracker. Instead, first ask, "Do you want a cracker?" That way once the "production spurt" of expressive language arrives, she'll know to say "I want a cracker," rather than whining for one.
• Emphasize the positive for repeat performances! Because your child's receptive language ability is high right now, talk about the positive and pleasant behavior she regularly exhibits, thereby reinforcing it. Make sure she doesn't overhear you talking to Grandma about any behavior that you would prefer not to see again. (You may remember this advice from week 54.)
• Avoid embarrassing copycat statements. Children are mimics, and they will copy words as well as actions. If you're occasionally harsh when speaking around your child or you swear from time to time, try to curb your use of inappropriate language. If you don't, don't be surprised when you hear your child say, "The damn remote won't work!"

Coming soon, look forward to: Week 94: Using Pronouns
Review the most recent accomplishments: Week 92: Affected by Secondhand Emotions

Curious about how else your toddler might be developing right now? Learn more about her clever brain and her growing body here:

• What's happening in Month 22?
• Here's what our pediatrician says you might be worried about this month.