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| Healthy Behaviour
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Say It Again
My tot just repeats what I say. Should I be concerned?
Q My 3-year-old tends to echo a lot of what I say to her rather than coming up with original thoughts. Should I be concerned?
A At this stage, a child’s brain is twice more active than an adult’s. Preschoolers tend to repeat their parents’ speech as their brains are more receptive and they can remember more words. Incidental learning also takes place when a child repeats his or her parent’s speech. As children see their parents as role models, it is very normal for children to imitate their parents’ speech or even behaviour. Children who are fascinated with their parents’ language abilities thus repeat their speech to learn more. From the age of 2 and 3, children love imitating words over and over again. They also love to listen and use short sentences. Therefore, echoing should not be a concern as a child only begins to construct longer sentences and understand speech better between the ages of 4 and 6. Even though echoing other adults may be normal, do find out how your child interacts with others around him. If your child continually repeats others’ speech and does not interact during conversations, it may be a sign of a communication problem. Read to your child and initiate conversations with him, as well as help him find alternative ways of responding to the questions asked. Communication is vital in establishing whether a child has speech or language difficulties. A child is learning if he responds or even imitates certain words over and over again at the age of 2 or 3. In fact, parents should keep repeating new words to children in this age group. Ask simple questions and expand on what your child says. Listen to your little one, and show that you understand what he is saying by nodding, smiling or gesturing to his responses. Most importantly, give your child time.
This queston is answered by Preman Komala Devi, principal curriculum specialist, My First Skool.
If you have any comments or practical suggestions, write to us at editor@family.sg
- Mother & Baby
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