Language development is intricately woven together with cognitive development. Often an infant’s gestures are a part of their emerging language. For example, a 1-year-old may point to a bottle of juice and grunt, letting her parent know that she wants it. Symbolic gestures at 13 months are highly correlated with future language ability. Children who have a rich gesture communication system in toddlerhood are likely to develop normal linguistic skills even if they are late bloomers.
The acquisition of new words between 12 to 18 months is slow. By 18 months of age, a toddler should say at least 5 words and understand more than 50.
2-year-olds start to show an understanding of the rules of language by putting words together. At this age the child produces more than 50 words, follows 2-step commands, points to objects and names them, and uses words to request things. She also develops new words daily, and may get confused if adults talk to her like a baby.
Receptive language is always ahead of expressive language, thus children will always understand more than what they are able to say. This usually results in moderate frustration due to inability to express feelings and desires, and temper tantrums might emerge. To prevent these kinds of temper tantrums, read to your child daily from birth. Reading together is a quality family time, and studies show that by making a habit of it, you will assist your child in early language acquisition.
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