How caregivers can help build children’s emerging language skills

It is not just the number of words that children hear that is important — the quality of the language children hear also matters. (Shutterstock)

When children develop the ability to understand language, as well as speak and communicate, this helps them interact with others and learn about their world. Research shows that children’s early language skills have a long reach in affecting later life outcomes.

Children with better language skills have an easier time regulating their emotions and interacting with their peers, likely in part because they can more easily communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas.