Helping Your Child Understand Language
Updated: Aug 3
Supporting Your Child's Receptive Language Development
By Tamara Gonzalez-Scheulov, M.S., CCC-SLP
Understanding language is the foundation for communication, learning, and connection.
If your toddler has difficulty understanding language, following directions, or responding consistently to everyday words and routines, there are many simple ways to support receptive language development through play and everyday interactions.
Below are simple, evidence-informed strategies parents can use throughout the day to support receptive language development.
What is Receptive Language?
Receptive language is your child’s ability to understand words, directions, and messages.
Strong receptive language skills support communication, learning, play, behavior, and later expressive language development.
Concerned About Your Child's Receptive Language Skills?
If your child consistently has difficulty understanding words, following directions, or responding to everyday language, it may be helpful to talk with a speech-language pathologist. Some signs to look for include:
Difficulty following simple directions
Difficulty understanding questions
Does not consistently respond to their name
Needs frequent repetition before understanding
Relies on watching others to know what to do
Has difficulty learning new vocabulary or early concepts
Becomes frustrated when they don't understand what is being said
These signs don't automatically mean a child has a receptive language delay, but they may indicate that a speech-language evaluation could be helpful. If you have concerns about your child's ability to understand language, early intervention and speech-language therapy can help strengthen communication skills through meaningful, play-based interactions.
10 Strategies to Support Receptive Language Development in Toddlers
Whether your child is developing typically, has a receptive language delay, or you're simply looking for ways to support communication at home, there are many simple strategies you can incorporate into everyday routines. You don't need to use every strategy at once. Choose two or three that fit naturally into your day and build from there.
Tip 1: Get Your Child's Attention First
Move to your child’s level.
Say their name and wait for eye contact or a pause.
Reduce distractions before giving directions.
Tip 2: Keep Language Simple
Use short, clear phrases.
Avoid complex sentences.
Repeat directions when needed.
Tip 3: Start with One-Step Directions
Start with one-step directions paired with gestures
Fade out the gestures as your child begins to understand the words.
Then add two-step directions using first–then language
Tip 4: Follow Your Child's Lead
Talk about what your child is already doing.
Match language to their interests.
Tip 5: Use Daily Routines for Practice
Repeat the same directions during predictable routines.
For Example: “Throw it away” after meals or “Time for bath” each night.
Tip 6: Highlight and Repeat Key Words
Choose a few important words to repeat often.
Core words like go, more, open, help, up, and stop work across many routines.
Tip 7: Pair Words with Actions and Visuals
Model or act out what you want your child to do.
Use gestures, objects, pictures, or low-tech AAC to support understanding.
Tip 8: Pause and Give Time to Process
After giving a direction, pause and wait.
Watch for responses like looking, reaching, or moving.
Tip 9: Build Understanding of Early Concepts
Use play and routines to model concepts like big/little, in/on, and before/after again and again.
Tip 10: Practice Understanding Through Play & Stories
Ask simple questions during shared reading or play, like “Who?” or “What happened?”.
If your child isn’t sure, model the answer.
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About the Author
Tamara is the owner of Little Chatterbox, LLC and a speech-language pathologist with experience across Early Intervention, private practice, and school-based settings. Tamara's approach combines evidence-based practice with play, connection, and family-centered coaching.
