5 Hidden “Language Boosters”

We live in a world that loves to measure milestones. Is he talking yet? How many words does she have? It’s enough to make any parent anxious.

In our rush to teach, we often turn to “educational” toys or apps. But the latest research from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child points to something much simpler—and free.

It’s called “Serve and Return.”

Think of language not as a subject to be taught, but as a game of tennis to be played.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the 5 daily habits that act as “fertilizer” for your child’s growing brain.

1. The Trap: Stop “Quizzing,” Start Sharing

This is the most common mistake well-meaning parents make. We think we are teaching, but we are actually testing.

The Quiz: “What color is this? What is that animal? Can you say ‘Apple’?”

The Problem: Quizzing puts kids on the spot. It creates pressure. If they know the answer, it’s boring. If they don’t, it’s discouraging.

The Shift Instead of asking questions you already know the answer to, share information.

❌ Instead of: “What color is the car?”
✅ Try: “Wow, look at that bright red car zooming by!”

2. Magic Technique: “Sportscasting”

Imagine you are a radio sportscaster. Your job is to narrate the mundane details of life.

Script for Getting Dressed “Arm goes in… push, push… and out comes the hand!”

Why it matters: You help them map language to their lived experience—without pressure.

3. The “Strive for 5” Rule

A Pediatrics study found that conversational turns—not vocabulary lists—predict long-term language success.

Example Child: “Dog!”
You: “Yes, a fluffy dog.”
Child: “Bark!”
You: “He is barking loud! Woof!”
Child: (Laughs) “Woof!”

4. The Expansion Method (“+1” Trick)

Take their word, expand it gently—add one detail.

Try This Script Child: “Go car.”
You: “Yes, the car is going fast.”

5. Interactive Reading

Ask Open Questions “Why do you think the bear is sad?”

If they can’t answer: “Maybe he dropped his ice cream.”

Final Thoughts: The 10-Second Wait

Kids process slower than adults. Pause. Count to 10. Let their brain “load.”

📋 The “Toddler Talk” Cheat Sheet

Screenshot this to save for later!

  • 🚫 Stop QuizzingDon’t ask questions you know the answer to.
  • 🎙️ Be a SportscasterNarrate your day like you’re on the radio.
  • 🖐️ Strive for 5Aim for 5 turns in a conversation.
  • ➕ The “+1” RuleAdd one detail to whatever they say.
  • ⏱️ Pause 10 SecondsGive their brain time to think.

Connection builds the brain.

More on Development & Communication

Is Your Toddler Not Talking Yet? When to Worry How to Teach Toddlers to Name Their Feelings Toddler Milestones: What to Expect (12–24 Months) Why Preschoolers Don’t Listen (And How to Fix It)