How to Encourage Toddler to Talk, Read, & Sing

This post was sponsored by First 5 California. All content is my own.

I’ve made it one of our family goals to encourage my toddler to talk, read, and sing daily. These early development days are so important to our kids and I want to make sure I’m doing my part as a mom

Did you love to talk, read, and sing as a child?

When you think about it talking, reading, and singing are such simple things. It’s amazing the huge impact they can have on our children growing into adulthood.

Truthfully talking, reading, and singing go hand in hand. As parents we are the main point of access for our children

How do I motivate my child to talk, read, and sing?

1. Give Your Kids access to books and music

Encourage reading by giving your kids constant access to books. This could be a book box for the car or a crate of books in a high traffic area like the living room.

Set up a reading nook in their bedroom with a cozy tent or beanbag chair. Somewhere they can sit and enjoy their books.

You may also like: How to get children’s books for FREE!

2. Visit the Library Often

Check out books at your library often. Your library may have an ebook service where you can check out free children’s books on your phone or device.

Many libraries have free story times for kids and programming during the summer!

3. Make Time for Story Time

Set aside time each day to read with your children. Story time can easily be fit into your child’s bedtime routine.

Reading is a great way to help your kids wind down in the evenings.

Find a routine that works for you and your kids to spend  10 or more minutes a day reading. You can make it fun by having themed reading nights or reading something different like comic books or children’s magazines.

4. Sing Along

Do you have favorite songs from your childhood? Share those with your kids! You can also find a wealth of children’s songs on YouTube if you need some inspiration.

Share your love of music with your kids by playing your favorite songs while cleaning or in the car. Sing along to the music with your kids, you would be surprised what they might catch on to.

We find our kids singing songs on their own and making up new ones. I’d like to think that’s a result of our time spent singing together.

Check out First Five California’s Pandora station for kids HERE! It’s perfect for singing along to with the kids.

5. Use Books and Music to Create Conversations

Talking with your kids about music and books is so important. Reading and music can create long conversations had with your children.

Ask them about their favorite characters and parts of the story. Talk with your baby/toddler about the pictures in the stories you read. Find out what kind of music your kids like best by having a conversation with them about it.

It’s great bonding with your kids over music and books by creating conversations. These talks benefit them socially and help their comprehension of what they are reading and listening to.

Remember, incorporating talking, reading, and singing into your child’s day can be simple. Start with a set story time during the day, a quick trip to your local library, or singing along in the car.

More Resources for Parents

Click HERE to find free activities and fun ideas for your little one from First 5 California. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for even more ideas to get your kids talking, reading, and singing.

How do you incorporate talking, reading, and singing at home? What encourages your kids to talk, read, and sing. I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

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