5 Reasons Why Your Toddler Won't Pipe Down
When your preschooler learns to talk, you’ll be able to enjoy a proper conversation with him. But he may expect that conversation to carry on all day, even when he can see you’re busy. In fact, the busier you are, the more he’ll bombard you with questions and observations — probably the same ones, repeatedly — as though he’s trying to wind you up. But be assured, he’s not being naughty; he’s just pursuing an instinctive need to chat. Here are some of the factors behind this new and natural development.
- Your responses help him feel secure As your young child becomes more independent and adventurous, he needs the reassurance of your presence and encouragement behind him. Your familiar voice and enthusiastic comments serve him well, giving him the confidence to venture further and try more new things.
- Chatting is an exciting new game Conversation is vital for your toddler’s language development, and it is natural for him to want to try out new words and phrases. He needs your responses as proof that he has said the words right and that they meant what he thought they did. Of course, he won’t be aware of all this subconscious motivation. You are his sounding board for his practice sessions, so take a deep breath and answer him yet again.
- He wants to share his discoveries with you The world is like a treasure chest to your youngster. Wherever he looks, he finds new wonders and puzzles, which he wants to celebrate with you. Perhaps he’s discovered how to open a lid, draw a face, or make a funny noise, or maybe he’s encountered an unusual shape or texture. However trivial the finding may seem to you, it’s fascinating to him. He’ll also have a constant stream of questions to ask about the perplexing world around him.
- He wants to understand what’s happening Your child will be starting to take an interest in daily arrangements. If you’re going out, for instance, he’ll want to know where, and whether he’s going with you. If you’re out shopping together, he may want to know what items you’ll be buying and where they can be found. He’ll be keen to help too. Your answers to his questions will reassure him, but he may feel the need to ask them several times over, for confirmation, so take another deep breath.
- Conversation makes him feel close to you Your youngster may be driving you to distraction with his constant chit-chat, but it is all well-intended. You are his star, the most special person in his life, and conversation keeps him close to you. He hasn’t yet mastered the art of conversation, so he may say anything that comes into his head to keep the communication lines open, and the bond between you, strong and secure. You may be otherwise engaged at that moment, but young children can’t always appreciate such predicaments in adults, and become upset when they don’t receive the response they crave. Sometimes a hasty nod and smile can save a tantrum.