A few years ago, I was a preschool teacher for 3-year-olds. They spoke clearly and in full sentences. You could understand them. Fast-forward to now, I’m volunteering with 3-year-olds again, and honestly? It’s different. Many aren’t speaking yet. Some mumble, others aren’t verbal at all. And the ones who are speaking? It’s not as clear. It made me wonder, what’s changed?
Let’s explore.
So, What’s Going On With Toddler Speech?
A few things might be contributing to this:
- Children are spending more time with screens, and it’s starting at younger and younger ages.
- There’s less face-to-face interaction. This might be a pre/post-pandemic change.
- Might be fewer conversations happening at home, not out of neglect, but survival mode. Parents are juggling a lot.
But here’s the good news: we can do something about it.
Below are simple, doable things to try at home, not just to help toddlers catch up, but to create a home that nurtures language, curiosity, and connection.
What You Can Do at Home
1. Talk a lot
Even if your toddler isn’t responding yet, talk to them. All day. Narrate what you’re doing. “I’m folding the laundry, here’s a sock, and another sock…” Use real words, not baby talk. Speak slowly and clearly. They’re always listening and learning.
2. Read Together Daily
Even just 5–10 minutes a day makes a difference. Choose books with real photos, animals, or everyday themes. Let them turn the pages. Point to things and name them. Reading is like magic for the brain.
3. Play with Them
Pretend play, stacking blocks, puzzles, anything that involves back-and-forth. Even silly games like peekaboo teach patterns, reactions, and timing. And all of that supports language.
4. Sing
Nursery rhymes and songs are wonderful for speech. The rhythm, repetition, and melody help words stick. Don’t worry if you’re off-key, your toddler doesn’t care.
5. Limit Screens. I Know… Easier Said Than Done
Screens take away from real connection and conversation, even the “educational” ones. The AAP recommends no more than 1 hour a day for kids 2–5, ideally with a parent watching and engaging. Our own screen time matters too, when we put our phones down, we’re modeling the kind of presence and communication our kids need.
So How Do We, Parents, Get a Break Without Screens?
Let’s be real: sometimes you just need a minute. A shower, a warm cup of coffee, or five minutes where no one is calling for “mom!” Screens are an easy fix, but they’re not the only option. Here are a few screen-free ideas to keep your toddler busy so you can catch your breath:
✴ Sensory Play Bin
A tub of rice, water, or kinetic sand with scoops, spoons, and little toys = gold. It holds their attention and gives you a solid chunk of time.
✴ Rotating Toy Basket
Keep a few toys out and tuck the rest away. Rotate them every few days so they always feel new. Less is more, toddlers get overwhelmed by too many options.
✴ Safe Space to Explore
Baby-proof a small room or playpen, and let them move around freely. Add pillows, soft books, stacking toys, and musical instruments.
✴ Quiet Time Activities
Coloring, stickers, simple puzzles, or a basket of board books. These quiet activities are perfect for solo play and still support learning.
✴ Visual Schedule
Toddlers love routines. A simple picture chart that shows “snack,” “play,” “read,” “rest” helps them feel in control and cuts down on meltdowns.
✴ Outside Time
If you have a safe space, like a backyard, a patio, a park nearby, let them roam.
Fresh air + nature = calm toddler.
You don’t have to do everything perfectly. The goal isn’t to eliminate screens forever or narrate every second of your day. It’s just to be aware, that the little moments matter. That words build brains. And that you’re doing a great job by even thinking about this stuff.
So, let’s keep exploring. Let’s keep asking questions. And let’s keep finding simple ways to raise whole, healthy kids, together.