What Your Child's Words Reveal
Author: By the editors of
Child magazine
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Healthy language development sometimes exhibits itself in unusual ways. Expect a lot of "why" questions, and don't be surprised if your child often talks to himself.
You'll know your child is on the right track when you overhear him bossing his toys around, playing with imaginary companions, reminding himself not to misbehave, or congratulating himself on his excellent behavior. All are good signs that he's attempting to incorporate your rules and instructions to gain self-control and is thinking about his place in the world. Self-talk, or "inner speech," is quite healthy at this stage. Think of it as an audible version of what you say to yourself when you're trying to solve a problem. (Appreciate this peek into your child's mind while it lasts; by kindergarten he'll clam up.)
Another healthy sign of language development is a barrage of questions. Somewhere around age 3½, your child will start to ask you, almost incessantly, why things are the way they are: "Why is it dark?" "Why is it time for bed?" "Why do you love me?" It may feel as though she's pushing the boundaries of your intelligence and patience, but she's merely attempting to learn in the most efficient way possible: by asking. Your child's ability to do this, in fact, marks a clear transition from toddlerhood, when learning comes mainly from hands-on experimentation.
When your child asks a question, try to answer it as simply as possible:"The sun's out because it's daytime". Too much information can overwhelm and confuse a preschooler, and if you merely say, "Because that's the way it is" or "Because I said so," you stifle her healthy curiosity.
If you don't know the answer to a question, admit it -- and suggest a way you both can find out: "I'm not sure, honey; let's look it up in this book." If the question simply can't be answered ("Why is that a dog?"), try to find out what the child really wants to know. She may be wondering whether dogs are dangerous, for instance. Or it may just be that your child wants to keep the conversation going or is saying "why" when what she really means is "tell me more."
All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.