Question

A parent is concerned about their 4-year-old child frequently repeating words or phrases when speaking, for example, saying something like “I want to eat apple apple” in response to questions. The parent is worried that this might be a sign of language developmental delay and seeks advice on whether professional help is needed and what can be done to help their child improve this issue.

Answer

Children around the age of three often experience their first defiant stage, during which they start to say “no” frequently and ask questions like “why” and “what.” Before the defiant stage, children’s learning and imitation abilities are weaker, but after the defiant stage, they begin to show active learning and thinking abilities, trying to form their own goals and ideas. Regarding the child’s habit of repeating words or phrases in speech, parents can take the following steps to help their child improve:

  1. Create a rich language environment: When conversing with your child, use complete sentences and encourage them to do the same.
  2. Be patient and listen attentively: When your child speaks, listen attentively and provide responses, which can enhance their confidence in expressing themselves.
  3. Play language games: Engage in games that enhance your child’s language expression ability, such as guessing games or role-playing.
  4. Seek professional advice: If you are concerned about your child’s language development, consult with a speech therapist or pediatrician for professional guidance and advice.