Day 254 - Making First Sounds

Today's first time parenting tip - Encourage any type of sound your baby makes, not just words.

When a lot of people think of their baby's first words, they think mama, or dada. Some kids say a pets name. Some say something entirely inappropriate. (Think Meet the Fokkers).

But you can help your baby with language, and you don't even have to say a word. I mentioned before that my son likes to quack at his Baby Einstein blocks. Now whenever we read animal books, he can growl and roar along with the bears, lions and tigers.

He's even started to mimic our laughs. The other day at daycare we were told that our son had taught one of the other babies there how to roar, and know the other boy does it all the time at home.

Even though he's not saying actual words, I think these sounds count at first attempts at language. He knows a lion roars, a duck quacks, and mommy and daddy laugh He's beginning to learn association and socialization.

So don't just limit yourself to teaching words. Make lots of noises and encourage him to play along. You might be surprised at what comes out of his mouth.

Parenting, Language, First, Word