If you spend time around toddlers, you’ve probably held up a toy or pointed to an object and said something like: “Can you say it?” It’s such a natural instinct. We want to help our little ones talk, so we prompt them to repeat new words. But here’s the surprising part: prompting a toddler to repeat a word rarely teaches them how to use it.
Why Repetition-on-Demand Doesn’t Work
For most toddlers, especially those who are still developing early speech skills, being asked to “say” a word creates pressure. Pressure can lead to hesitation, avoidance, frustration, or shutting down, not because they don’t want to cooperate, but because their brains and mouths may not be ready to produce that word on cue.
Toddlers don’t learn language the same way older children memorize spelling words. They learn through meaningful experiences, hearing words used naturally, connecting actions, objects, and emotions, and repeated exposure during play.
How Toddlers Actually Learn New Words
Instead of asking them to repeat, the key is to model the word in a way that feels playful, simple, and connected to what’s happening in front of them.
- Describe What You’re Doing
Turn everyday moments into language-rich interactions: “The ball is rolling,” “Big jump,” “More bubbles.” These short, simple phrases give toddlers easy-to-absorb language without pressure.
- Pair Words With Actions
Movement builds understanding and helps toddlers link meaning. For example: “Up!” as the toy rises; “All done” while cleaning; “Open” as a lid comes off. Seeing and hearing the meaning together creates strong connections.
- Repeat Without Expectation
Kids need lots of exposure. Using the same word naturally throughout play helps them understand and eventually say it on their own.
- Keep Interactions Playful
When learning feels fun and relaxed, toddlers are more likely to imitate words naturally.
A Small Shift That Makes a Big Impact
When we remove the expectation to repeat and instead give toddlers the language we want them to learn, they absorb words faster and feel more confident exploring communication. Think of yourself as the narrator of their world, not the quizmaster.
You talk. They watch, hear, explore, and eventually… they talk back.
And that moment feels so much more natural when it happens on their terms.