This episode continues from last week, discussing the 10 Must-Haves to Get to First Words. Children don't just wake up on their first birthday and start talking ... there is A LOT of serious work, growth, and development that can sometimes get lost in the shuffle between feedings, diapers, sleeping and just keeping your little one safe!

Last episode we covered the first 5, so if you haven't listened to last week, go back for #1 - 5. It's important you get the whole early developmental process - just like when building a house, we NEED A STRONG FOUNDATION.

Tune in to learn:

6. PLAYS APPROPRIATELY WITH A VARIETY OF TOYS - pretend play is closely related to speech & language development. It demonstrates your child is beginning to understand how the world works and how s/he can engage.

7. RECEPTIVE LANGUAGE - understanding simple, concrete statements is critical to staying on-track. This is often THE MOST OVERLOOKED red flag.

8. USE HIS / HER VOICE - intentional & purposeful vocalization. Babies need to be noisy! These are the important prelinguistic "workouts" - grunts, squeals, whines, and babbling.

9. GESTURES - your child is truly using gestures on his own, with intent and purpose: waving, pointing, blows kiss, shakes head no, pats or gives you objects.

CLICK HERE for the article I mentioned in the episode, by FIRST WORDS* Project.

• This article does highlight "Earlier is Better" - but please recognize that if a child continues to struggle beyond his 3rd birthday - do NOT limit your expectations. Those first three years are using 'mother nature' to the fullest - kids are typically little sponges, but growth & development is LIFE LONG. Keep asking questions and seeking guidance.

10. IMITATION of ACTIONS - Your child does this routinely! This would include gestures, sounds, simple words and actions. And s/he is beginning to initiate interactions much more easily with others to get needs met AND to play with you!

Happy listening!

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