Why Teaching Children to Speak is Essential

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Menu: Parenting

By: Sarah Thompson

Updated: June 25, 2016

Originally Published: August 28, 2010

Listening to a child’s first words is a significant moment for parents, marking a major developmental milestone. The journey of guiding our little ones in language acquisition involves countless hours of encouragement, teaching them to articulate words clearly, and naming the world around them. We take pride in tracking their vocabulary growth, especially as they begin to form those exciting two- and three-word phrases, ultimately aiming for the grand achievement of complete sentences.

However, it’s essential to consider the broader implications of this early communication. While we strive to foster fluency, we may inadvertently overlook the challenges that come with it. New talkers can sometimes be viewed as social liabilities, leading to potentially awkward and embarrassing situations.

As parents, the pressure to monitor our language becomes intense. The need for verbal restraint can feel overwhelming, especially for those of us who grew up in environments where candid expression was the norm. Censoring our speech, particularly in moments of frustration or humor, can feel like an unrealistic demand—especially in situations that test our patience, such as navigating heavy traffic or dealing with the complexities of daily life.

Moreover, once children acquire speech, they become proficient at mirroring our words and sentiments. This can create uncomfortable situations where they inadvertently disclose our private thoughts. For instance, a child might reveal your feelings about a family member, leading to an awkward confrontation. Similarly, using casual language, including swear words, can result in an innocent yet shocking greeting at preschool: “Hi there, friends!”

Privacy becomes a relic of the past. Our children’s newfound ability to share their thoughts leaves little room for discretion; they are willing to voice observations that might make us cringe in public. Questions about physical appearances or observations about people’s differences can lead to uncomfortable conversations that require tact and sensitivity.

Consider the scenario of being in a grocery store when your child loudly asks about a person nearby who may not fit societal norms; suddenly, you’re put on the spot, needing to respond gracefully. Or while enjoying a day at the park, your child might innocently comment on someone’s disability, requiring you to tread carefully to maintain respect while fostering understanding.

These instances are not isolated. Many parents can recount similar experiences where their child’s candidness has caused public embarrassment. For example, a child might loudly declare, “Mommy, there’s hair in my food!” or innocently ask, “Why does that lady have a big bottom?” These moments remind us of the fine line we walk between nurturing curiosity and managing social etiquette.

Instead of solely focusing on encouraging speech, perhaps we should also embrace the idea of allowing our children to explore the world without the pressure of verbalizing every thought. They will eventually find their voice in due time.

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Summary:

Teaching children to speak is a crucial aspect of their development, but it comes with its own set of challenges. As they learn to express themselves, parents often find themselves navigating awkward social situations and managing their own language carefully. Balancing encouragement and restraint may create a more comfortable environment for both parents and children.