When you're a baby, even everyday items like lamps can be exciting and interesting.
When your baby takes an interest in something around the house, let them look at it and touch it (as long as it's safe!).
Tell them all about the thing that's caught their attention.
You want to clap for Daddy again?
What's that? What? The lamp?
You want to touch the lamp?Yes, the lamp.
You want it?You want to touch the lamp?
You want to see on the inside?
Look. It's shiny.
Shiny and look what's that?
That's the bulb.
It's shiny on the inside isn't it?
Dad likes the lamp too
The benefits of talking about what interests your toddler
- All around the house there are objects your toddler will find fascinating. When you pay attention to this and talk about them, they will be more engaged in what you say and listen to your words
- The more they're engaged, the quicker they'll learn new words
- Exploring the feel of objects gives you change to talk to them about objects' textures
- 'Joint attention' helps your child's social skills as they learn to share eye contact with you
More on joint attention from Tiny Happy People
- Check out the Tools for Talking film that explains the benefits of sharing your child's focus during chat and play
- Watch how joint attention makes a difference to toddlers' learning in our Speech Lab film
- Speech and language therapist Cristina McKean explains why shared attention is so effective
