Does your toddler understand what you're saying? And how can you help him become a better listener - even before he's talking in sentences?
Between 12 and 24 months, your toddler is developing important listening and understanding skills. But these skills don't develop simply by memorizing words, colors, or numbers.
Real understanding grows through everyday experiences, meaningful interactions, and opportunities to participate in family life.
In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist with more than 35 years of clinical experience, walks you through key developmental building blocks of receptive language - your child's ability to listen, understand, and make sense of spoken language.
You'll discover:
- How toddlers learn to understand and follow simple directions.
- Why learning what objects do is just as important as learning their names.
- How familiar activities build listening, memory, and the ability to distinguish between words.
- Why playing with toys and sharing picture books help children practice what they've learned in real life.
- Why memorizing letters, colors, and numbers doesn't necessarily mean your toddler understands everyday language.
The best part? You don't need flashcards, fancy toys, or formal lessons.
Your toddler's everyday experiences—getting dressed, helping with chores, sharing books, and playing alongside you—offer wonderful opportunities to strengthen understanding.
Because before your toddler can use language confidently, he needs opportunities to understand what those words mean.
Listen in and learn what to watch for, what to practice, and how to make everyday moments count.
🎁 FREE COMPANION GUIDE
FREE Companion Guide CLICK HERE: Helps you remember these key listening skills so everyone wins.
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If you have a specific situation with your toddler that you keep replaying, Erin offers free 20-minute Clarity Calls to help you look more closely at what may be happening underneath the behavior.
🔗 Click here for CLARITY CALL HERE
Helpful links:
▶ Watch Talking Toddlers on YouTube: Click HERE
📘 Download Erin’s free guide: 10 Essential Skills Before Talking
🌿 Visit Hyer Learning:
www.HyerLearning.com
Educational and coaching information only. This episode is not a substitute for an individual speech-language, developmental, behavioral, or medical evaluation.
