Should I Use Baby Talk in Talking to my Child?

Its a common question some parents ask, "Does it really help to talk to babies as if they are adults and not use baby talk?". Experts say YES, the adults are their model, and language is learned by imitating. Observe your child's progress. More importantly, interact often with your child, and provide a language rich environment. You can do this by acting as a "commentator" for your child. Label and describe things for him, and demonstrate how to use them like "This is a frying pan. I fry eggs for your breakfast on this".

When you give him a toy, play with him and show him how to play with it. It's not enough to buy a toy and give it to him to make him watch children's videos. Although he can pick up something from these educational video, one and one interaction with you is best because he can participate in it.

Tips for Effective Discipline on Children

• Trust your child to do the right thing within the limits of his age and stage of development.

• Make sure what you ask for is reasonable.

• Speak to your child as you would want to be spoken to if someone was reprimanding you. Don't resort to name calling, yelling or disrespect.

• Be clear about what you mean. Be firm and specific.

• Model positive behavior. "Do as i day, not as I do" seldom works.

• Allow for negotiation and flexibility, which can help build your child's social skill.

• Let you child experience the consequences of his behavior.

• Whenever possible, consequences should be delivered immediately, should relate to the rule broken, and be short enough in duration that you can move on again to emphasize the positives.

• Consequences should be fair and appropriate to the situation and the child's age.