Question
My son is two years old but still doesn’t talk. What should I do?
Answer
If a child hasn’t started speaking by the age of two, parents should first start by creating a rich language environment. For instance, if parents enjoy talking, children usually learn to imitate. Therefore, parents should frequently encourage their children to speak and provide them with opportunities to express themselves. For example, if a child wants an apple or a toy, parents can guide them to say ‘I want,’ then give them what they want and praise them. It’s important not to force or scold the child, nor to overemphasize their reluctance to speak in front of others. Let the child practice in a relaxed and pleasant environment, gradually accumulating experience, and the child will naturally become more willing to express themselves.