| It appears there may be another strategy in assisting | | | | development of infants and toddlers. The children were |
| one's child develop in a positive manner: talk with them. | | | | exposed to adult speech, child speech and television. |
| A new study appearing in the July issue of Pediatrics | | | | Researchers found that children who talk with adults |
| has found that adults who have conversations with | | | | experienced improvements in their language skills. |
| their children can have more of a "significant impact" | | | | "What's new here is the finding that the effect of |
| on the language development when compared to just | | | | adult-child conversations was roughly six times as |
| reading to them on a regular basis. | | | | potent at fostering good language development as |
| As many fathers know, the practice of reading to | | | | adult speech input alone," Zimmerman said. |
| children has long been touted as a must for every | | | | Fathers interested in having conversations with their |
| parent. This new research seemingly adds another | | | | children will have to use parenting skills to ensure |
| needed parenting skill to the fray. | | | | success. |
| "Although [reading to a child is] sound advice, this form | | | | As in all conversations, the first rule is for fathers to |
| of input may not place enough emphasis on children's | | | | listen. It may be difficult at first, especially when a child |
| role in language-based exchanges and the importance | | | | digresses from one topic to another. |
| of getting children to speak as much as possible," said | | | | To stay on point, repeat back to your child what they |
| the study's lead author Dr Frederick J. Zimmerman, an | | | | said and ask a specific question. This will engage the |
| associate professor in the department of health | | | | child as well as give them an opportunity to elaborate |
| services at UCLA. | | | | on what happened, and possibly help them focus their |
| A total of 275 families with children aged up to 4 | | | | statements a bit more in the future. |
| participated in the study to determine the language | | | | |