{"id":2827,"date":"2026-05-25T09:39:48","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T09:39:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usglobalnews.com\/2026\/05\/25\/comic-to-raise-a-confident-little-talker-learn-to-speak-parentese\/"},"modified":"2026-05-25T09:39:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T09:39:48","slug":"comic-to-raise-a-confident-little-talker-learn-to-speak-parentese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/?p=2827","title":{"rendered":"COMIC: To raise a confident little talker, learn to speak &#8216;parentese&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"storytitle\">\n<h1>COMIC: To raise a confident little talker, learn to speak &#8216;parentese&#8217;<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORYTITLE\" --><\/p>\n<div id=\"story-meta\" class=\"story-meta has-byline\">\n<div class=\"story-meta__one\">\n<div class=\"story-meta__one-inner\">\n<div class=\"dateblock\">\n    <time datetime=\"2026-05-25T05:00:00-04:00\"><br \/>\n            <span class=\"date\">May 25, 2026<\/span><span class=\"time\">5:00 AM ET<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/time>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORY-META__ONE-INNER\" -->\n   <\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORY-META__ONE\" --><\/p>\n<div class=\"story-meta__two\">\n<div id=\"storybyline\" class=\"storybyline-wrap linkLocation\">\n<div class=\"bucketwrap byline\">\n<div class=\"byline-container--block byline-container--block-nophoto\">\n<p class=\"byline__name--block\">By\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"byline byline--block byline--has-link\" aria-label=\"Byline\">\n<div class=\"byline__photo\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/people\/776533008\/andee-tagle\" rel=\"author\"><br \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/384x384+64+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/85\/format\/png\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.npr.org%2Fassets%2Fimg%2F2020%2F07%2F24%2Fandee-tagle-photo-20e29a65c63febc09ae06f2fb6648211751ba262.png\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Andee Tagle\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/384x384+64+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.npr.org%2Fassets%2Fimg%2F2020%2F07%2F24%2Fandee-tagle-photo-20e29a65c63febc09ae06f2fb6648211751ba262.png\" data-format=\"png\"><br \/>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<p class=\"byline__name byline__name--block\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/people\/776533008\/andee-tagle\" rel=\"author\"><br \/>\n      Andee Tagle<br \/>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"byline__name--block byline__comma\">,\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"byline byline--block byline--has-link\" aria-label=\"Byline\">\n<p class=\"byline__name byline__name--block\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/people\/g-s1-54521\/navied-mahdavian\" rel=\"author\"><br \/>\n      Navied Mahdavian<br \/>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"BUCKETWRAP BYLINE\" -->\n      <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORY-META__TWO\" -->\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END ID=\"STORY-META\" CLASS=\"STORY-META HAS-BYLINE\" --><\/p>\n<div id=\"storytext\" class=\"storytext storylocation linkLocation\">\n<p>Looking to raise a confident little talker but not sure where to start?<\/p>\n<p>You don&#8217;t have to overthink it. According to science, your baby&#8217;s brain is primed to join in on conversation from the moment they&#8217;re born.<\/p>\n<div id=\"resnx-s1-5831266-100\" class=\"bucketwrap internallink mediapromo primary\">\n<h4 class=\"internallink__slug\">Life Kit<\/h4>\n<h2 class=\"internallink__title\">The dos and don&#8217;ts of baby talk<\/h2>\n<article id=\"resnx-s1-mx-5826128-1\" class=\"bucketwrap resaudio\" aria-label=\"audio-module\">\n<div class=\"audio-module\">\n<h4 class=\"audio-module-title\">The dos and don&#8217;ts of baby talk<\/h4>\n<div class=\"audio-module-controls-wrap\" data-audio='{\"uid\":\"nx-s1-5826128:nx-s1-mx-5826128-1\",\"available\":true,\"duration\":1175,\"title\":\"The dos and donu0027ts of baby talk\",\"audioUrl\":\"https:\/\/tracking.swap.fm\/track\/XvDEoI11TR00olTUO8US\/prfx.byspotify.com\/e\/play.podtrac.com\/npr-510338\/npr.simplecastaudio.com\/8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4\/episodes\/bc37e705-cfc3-4df0-9c8c-46714bec9f7b\/audio\/128\/default.mp3?awCollectionId=8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4&amp;awEpisodeId=bc37e705-cfc3-4df0-9c8c-46714bec9f7b&amp;feed=XkY2SBZJ&amp;t=podcast&amp;e=nx-s1-5826128&amp;p=510338&amp;d=1175&amp;size=18812430&amp;sc=siteplayer&amp;aw_0_1st.playerid=siteplayer\",\"storyUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/05\/19\/nx-s1-5826128\/the-dos-and-donts-of-baby-talk\",\"slug\":\"\",\"program\":\"Life Kit\",\"affiliation\":\"\",\"song\":\"\",\"artist\":\"\",\"album\":\"\",\"track\":0,\"type\":\"segment\",\"subtype\":\"other\",\"skipSponsorship\":true,\"hasAdsWizz\":true,\"isStreamAudioType\":false,\"podcastEpisodeRawType\":\"FULL\",\"podcastEpisodeDerivedPlusType\":\"PLUS_UNSPONSORED_AVAILABLE\"}' data-audio-metrics=\"[]\">\n<div class=\"audio-module-controls audio-module-controls--no-js\">\n            <a class=\"audio-module-listen\" href=\"https:\/\/tracking.swap.fm\/track\/XvDEoI11TR00olTUO8US\/prfx.byspotify.com\/e\/play.podtrac.com\/npr-510338\/npr.simplecastaudio.com\/8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4\/episodes\/bc37e705-cfc3-4df0-9c8c-46714bec9f7b\/audio\/128\/default.mp3?awCollectionId=8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4&amp;awEpisodeId=bc37e705-cfc3-4df0-9c8c-46714bec9f7b&amp;feed=XkY2SBZJ&amp;t=podcast&amp;e=nx-s1-5826128&amp;p=510338&amp;d=1175&amp;size=18812430&amp;sc=siteplayer&amp;aw_0_1st.playerid=siteplayer\"><br \/>\n                <b class=\"audio-module-listen-inner\"><br \/>\n                    <b class=\"audio-module-listen-text\"><br \/>\n                        <b class=\"audio-module-cta\"><br \/>\n                            Listen<br \/>\n                        <\/b><br \/>\n                        <b class=\"audio-module-listen-duration\"><br \/>\n                            <span>\u00b7 <\/span><br \/>\n                            <span>19:35<\/span><br \/>\n                        <\/b><br \/>\n                    <\/b><br \/>\n                <\/b><br \/>\n            <\/a><br \/>\n                <time class=\"audio-module-duration\" datetime=\"P19M,35S\"><br \/>\n                  <span class=\"audio-module-duration__initial-value\">19:35<\/span><br \/>\n                <\/time>\n        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"audio-module-tools\">\n            <a class=\"audio-tool audio-tool-transcript\" href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/transcripts\/nx-s1-5826128\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"audio\",\"action\":\"audio_click_transcript\",\"storyId\":\"nx-s1-5826128\",\"mediaId\":\"nx-s1-mx-5826128-1\",\"title\":\"The dos and don&amp;#39;ts of baby talk\",\"type\":\"ondemand\"}'><br \/>\n                <b class=\"audio-tool-label\">Transcript<\/b><br \/>\n            <\/a><br \/>\n        <button class=\"audio-module-tools-toggle\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"audio\",\"action\":\"audio_open_more_options\",\"storyId\":\"nx-s1-5826128\",\"mediaId\":\"nx-s1-mx-5826128-1\",\"title\":\"The dos and don&amp;#39;ts of baby talk\",\"type\":\"ondemand\"}'><br \/>\n            <b class=\"label\">Toggle more options<\/b><br \/>\n        <\/button><\/p>\n<ul class=\"audio-module-more-tools\">\n<li class=\"audio-tool audio-tool-download\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tracking.swap.fm\/track\/XvDEoI11TR00olTUO8US\/prfx.byspotify.com\/e\/play.podtrac.com\/npr-510338\/npr.simplecastaudio.com\/8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4\/episodes\/bc37e705-cfc3-4df0-9c8c-46714bec9f7b\/audio\/128\/default.mp3?awCollectionId=8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4&amp;awEpisodeId=bc37e705-cfc3-4df0-9c8c-46714bec9f7b&amp;feed=XkY2SBZJ&amp;t=podcast&amp;e=nx-s1-5826128&amp;p=510338&amp;d=1175&amp;size=18812430&amp;sc=siteplayer&amp;aw_0_1st.playerid=siteplayer\" 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has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 3000;--source-height: 3000\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.npr.org\/assets\/img\/2022\/09\/23\/life-kit_tile_npr-network-01_sq-57e850131de55d68e20bbd9dff2408721d7518e2.jpg?s=1100&amp;c=85&amp;f=jpeg\" data-original=\"https:\/\/media.npr.org\/assets\/img\/2022\/09\/23\/life-kit_tile_npr-network-01_sq-57e850131de55d68e20bbd9dff2408721d7518e2.jpg?s=1100&amp;c=100&amp;f=jpeg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/media.npr.org\/assets\/img\/2022\/09\/23\/life-kit_tile_npr-network-01_sq-57e850131de55d68e20bbd9dff2408721d7518e2.jpg?s={width}&amp;c={quality}&amp;f={format}\" data-format=\"jpeg\" class=\"img lazyOnLoad\" alt=\"Life Kit\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"podcast-tools__slugandmodal\">\n<div 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button\"}'><br \/>\n                        Amazon Music<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iheart.com\/podcast\/50737913\" data-analytics-allow-facebook=\"data-analytics-allow-facebook\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"podcast\",\"action\":\"podcast_follow_click\",\"clickName\":\"iHeart Radio\",\"clickType\":\"podcast follow button\"}'><br \/>\n                        iHeart Radio<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/music.youtube.com\/library\/podcasts?addrssfeed=https:\/\/feeds.npr.org\/510338\/podcast.xml\" data-analytics-allow-facebook=\"data-analytics-allow-facebook\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"podcast\",\"action\":\"podcast_follow_click\",\"clickName\":\"youtube music\",\"clickType\":\"podcast follow button\"}'><br \/>\n                        YouTube Music<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n                        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/feeds.npr.org\/510338\/podcast.xml\" data-analytics-allow-facebook=\"data-analytics-allow-facebook\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"podcast\",\"action\":\"podcast_follow_click\",\"clickName\":\"rss\",\"clickType\":\"podcast follow button\"}'><br \/>\n                          RSS link<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<p>              &lt;!&#8211;<\/p>\n<div class=\"newsletter-placeholder\">\n                Sign up for the [TITLE] Newsletter<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"plusoffering-placeholder\">\n                Get perks with [Podcast Title]+<\/p>\n<p>Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free feed.<\/p>\n<p>                <button>LEARN MORE<\/button>\n              <\/div>\n<p>              &#8211;&gt;\n          <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><!-- END ID=\"RESNX-S1-5831266-100\" CLASS=\"BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK MEDIAPROMO PRIMARY\" --><\/p>\n<p>And there&#8217;s plenty you can do to help boost that language development on a daily basis. Avoid the &#8220;goo goo ga ga&#8221; baby talk, for one \u2013 use real words to avoid confusion. And pause to wait for a response when you talk to them, even if it&#8217;s a coo.<\/p>\n<p>Cartoonist Navied Mahdavian illustrates advice from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/doctors\/harrison-roger\" target=\"_blank\"><u>Roger Harrison<\/u><\/a>, a child psychologist at Children&#8217;s Hospital of Philadelphia; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jessicarolph\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\"><u>Jessica Rolph<\/u><\/a>, a mom of three and the CEO of the early childhood development toy company Lovevery; and <a href=\"https:\/\/ilabs.uw.edu\/i-labs-amelia-bachleda-phd\/\" target=\"_blank\"><u>Amelia Bachleda<\/u><\/a>, director of outreach and education at the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences.<\/p>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123806\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F2e%2F356d4bb9444aa78dd52bfa1af2c0%2F1-1.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F2e%2F356d4bb9444aa78dd52bfa1af2c0%2F1-1.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Communicating with the little humans in your life can be challenging. \nIMAGE: Dad changing baby\u2019s diaper. Baby toots. Arrow points to daughter: My daughter Elika. \n\tNAVIED: Uh, read any good books recently? \nEspecially if your conversation partner is a baby.\n\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123807\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2Fdc%2F9dcaf5bc43fc8ee97536932d9ca1%2F2.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2Fdc%2F9dcaf5bc43fc8ee97536932d9ca1%2F2.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"But there\u2019s a good reason to keep talking to them. The first year is a critical period for language learning, says Roger Harrison, a pediatric psychologist.\nIMAGE: Mom and Navied sitting on the couch. Baby Elika sits on the floor with fancy listening devices (e.g. headphones, parabolic dish) like what spies use.\nNAVIED: I think she understands more than we think. \nNot sure how to converse with your baby? Here are a few suggestions from the experts.\n\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123808\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F84%2F8e%2F02007fd54b7da59f73cdc077ea6c%2F3.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F84%2F8e%2F02007fd54b7da59f73cdc077ea6c%2F3.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Talk to them on a daily basis, Harrison says. It builds connection and teaches them the basics of language. \nIMAGE: Baby Elika stretching like an athlete. \n\tELIKA: Let\u2019s start with some phonemes and work our way up to syntax.\n\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123809\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F1a%2F9eb1f72248c797f2b25d85ac9bb0%2F4.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F1a%2F9eb1f72248c797f2b25d85ac9bb0%2F4.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Not sure what to talk about? Narrate your day. Or take your baby on a house tour, suggests Jessica Rolph, mom of three and the CEO of the toy company Lovevery.\nIMAGE: Elika in a front-facing carrier on Navied\u2019s chest. A comically large pile of\nlaundry in front of them.\n\tNAVIED: Can you say \u201claundry\u201d? \n\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123810\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc4%2F3b%2F21ff82634e968551828a887ffaaa%2F5.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc4%2F3b%2F21ff82634e968551828a887ffaaa%2F5.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Lean into\u201cparentese.\u201d That means talking with expressive, exaggerated speech or in a high-pitched voice, says Amelia Bachleda of the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences. \nIMAGE: Navied feeding Elika, who is sitting in a high chair.\nNAVIED:  Who\u2019s a linguistic genius? You are. Yes you are!\n\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123811\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcb%2Ffc%2F8406db9141fcae59160ea61eb230%2F6.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcb%2Ffc%2F8406db9141fcae59160ea61eb230%2F6.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt='It tells your baby, \"Hey, this is important. Pay attention. Learn from this,\" says Bachleda. \nIMAGE: More ways to speak parentese A speech bubble stretched outward. Arrows point to it: Slower; Variations in pitch and tone; Repetition. * body language counts too! \u2026 warm smile, big bright eyes \u2026 *\n' loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123812\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F02%2F52%2Fa742aab54cd18cc32308d807aed5%2F7.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F02%2F52%2Fa742aab54cd18cc32308d807aed5%2F7.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"No googoo gaga. Use the right words for things, not nonsensical baby speak. That helps avoid confusion in the future and sets them up for more effective communication.  \nIMAGE: Baby Elika in suit, with steepled hands (like a powerful businessman) thinking deeply. \nELIKA: Tell it to me like I\u2019m a 6-month-old. \nIf it doesn\u2019t come natural to you, try singing to them, rhyming or using a sing-songy voice, says Harrison. \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123813\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F12%2F80ec4bda45d1a4c9aa62b7828485%2F8.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F12%2F80ec4bda45d1a4c9aa62b7828485%2F8.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"And there are long-term benefits too, says Bachleda. One study found that infants whose caretakers used more parentese had better communication skills at age five on average. \nIMAGE: Clickbait headline that reads: Linguists hate this one simple language hack! Longer sentences at five! Bigger vocabularies! More complex conversations!\n\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123814\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F8e%2F21de588e4bde948826cc1db1aa40%2F9.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F8e%2F21de588e4bde948826cc1db1aa40%2F9.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Don\u2019t just talk to them \u2013 leave room for your baby to respond, Rolph says. This may be your classic baby coo, but be open to all the different ways they might respond to you. \nIMAGE: Baby Elika doing different things to respond, each labeled with a different response. Waving their arms; facial expressions; eye contact; semaphores\nThis shows them what conversations look and sound like \u2014 and helps them to build that muscle. \n\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123815\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcd%2Ff3%2F77a20fc64e8bba17d099e9ad82fc%2F10.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcd%2Ff3%2F77a20fc64e8bba17d099e9ad82fc%2F10.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"And remember, one-on-one interaction is best. To raise future talkers, put the screens away, Bachleda says.\nElika and Navied playing with blocks. Elika has a cellphone.\nELIKA: Hold all my calls, please. \nBabies need social input to learn language, Bachleda says. So don\u2019t rely on TV shows, music or podcasts. They\u2019re no replacement for your attention. \n\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123816\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fe4%2F01f4db534f84b231ff82c30412e5%2F11.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fe4%2F01f4db534f84b231ff82c30412e5%2F11.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"This means less screentime for parents, too. It\u2019s easy to be distracted these days, says Rolph.\nIMAGE: A phone lock screen. It reads: Phone unavailable. Try again later. \nLastly, don\u2019t take things too seriously. Raising a baby is stressful enough! It may take time for your baby to say their first words. That\u2019s OK! \n\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-123817\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 1080;--source-height: 1350\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F98%2F27%2F44b69f02457f98cb535f46ffde8c%2F12.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1080x1350+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F98%2F27%2F44b69f02457f98cb535f46ffde8c%2F12.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"\nJust keep conversing with your baby and those words will come.\n\tImage: Navied laying with Elika. \n\tELIKA: Mama.\n\tNavied: No, dadda. \n\tELIKA: Mama? \n\tNAVIED: No, dadda.\nELIKA: Mama! \n\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Navied Mahdavian for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>Navied Mahdavian is a <\/em>New Yorker<em> cartoonist and the author of the graphic memoir <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/papress.com\/products\/this-country\" target=\"_blank\"><u>This Country: Searching for Home in (Very) Rural America<\/u><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"edTag\">More comics journalism from Life Kit<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2025\/03\/20\/nx-s1-5332144\/comic-still-cringing-about-that-awkward-moment-heres-what-to-do-about-it\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Still cringing about that awkward moment? Here&#8217;s what to do about it.<\/strong><\/a> Experts demystify the science of awkwardness \u2014 and explain how to reduce the emotional intensity of mortifying flashbacks (like that one time you called your teacher &#8220;Mommy&#8221;).<\/p>\n<div id=\"resnx-s1-5831266-101\" class=\"bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col \">\n<div class=\"bucket img\">\n                  <a class=\"imagewrap\" id=\"featuredStackSquareImagenx-s1-5787794\" href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/04\/17\/nx-s1-5787794\/return-to-work-baby-schedule-adjustment-parental-leave\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"recirculation\",\"action\":\"story_recirculation_click\",\"clickType\":\"inset box\",\"clickUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/04\/17\/nx-s1-5787794\/return-to-work-baby-schedule-adjustment-parental-leave\"}'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1763x1763+686+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F99%2F47%2Fa099bb9a4f16b9fb1df02dc6b5e4%2F260416-lk-rto-dig-16x9-v02.jpg\" data-original=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1763x1763+686+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/100\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F99%2F47%2Fa099bb9a4f16b9fb1df02dc6b5e4%2F260416-lk-rto-dig-16x9-v02.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/1763x1763+686+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F99%2F47%2Fa099bb9a4f16b9fb1df02dc6b5e4%2F260416-lk-rto-dig-16x9-v02.jpg\" data-format=\"jpeg\" class=\"img lazyOnLoad\" alt=\"Mother taking care of baby while working\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a>         <\/p>\n<div class=\"bucketblock\">\n<h3 class=\"slug\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/lifekit\">Life Kit <\/a><\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/04\/17\/nx-s1-5787794\/return-to-work-baby-schedule-adjustment-parental-leave\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"recirculation\",\"action\":\"story_recirculation_click\",\"clickType\":\"inset box\",\"clickUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/04\/17\/nx-s1-5787794\/return-to-work-baby-schedule-adjustment-parental-leave\"}'>Do less, ask for more: How to make life easier as a working parent\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"BUCKETBLOCK\" -->\n      <\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"BUCKET IMG\" -->\n   <\/div>\n<p><!-- END ID=\"RESNX-S1-5831266-101\" CLASS=\"BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL \" --><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2024\/11\/15\/g-s1-34156\/dont-give-your-family-food-poisoning-this-holiday-season-follow-this-illustrated-guide\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Is it OK to keep reheating leftovers? Honest questions about food safety.<\/strong><\/a> How real is the five-second rule? Am I going to get explosive diarrhea if I keep reheating the same leftovers? A refresher course on food safety ahead of the holiday season.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/05\/19\/nx-s1-5825984\/cant-keep-a-habit-this-comic-shares-a-proven-formula-to-make-it-stick\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Can&#8217;t keep a habit? This comic shares a proven formula to make it stick.<\/strong> <\/a>In this illustrated guide, behavioral scientist BJ Fogg breaks down his Tiny Habits framework to help you rethink your approach to starting (or restarting) a habit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hr\">\n<hr>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>This comic was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is CJ Riculan. We&#8217;d love to hear from you. Email us at LifeKit@npr.org. Listen to Life Kit on<\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/n.pr\/3LdRb0X\" target=\"_blank\"><em> Apple Podcasts<\/em><\/a><em> and<\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/n.pr\/3K3xVln\" target=\"_blank\"><em> Spotify<\/em><\/a><em>, or sign up for our<\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/n.pr\/3xN1tB9\" target=\"_blank\"><em> newsletter<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"share-tools share-tools--secondary\" aria-label=\"Share tools\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"share-tools__service share-tools__service--facebook\"><button class=\"fbStorynx-s1-5831266\" data-share-facebook='{\"storyId\": \"nx-s1-5831266\" }' data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"share\",\"action\":\"share\",\"clickName\":\"facebook\"}'><b class=\"share-tools__service-name\">Facebook<\/b><\/button><\/li>\n<li class=\"share-tools__service share-tools__service--flipboard\"><button class=\"storynx-s1-5831266\" data-share-flipboard='{\"storyId\": \"nx-s1-5831266\" }' data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"share\",\"action\":\"share\",\"clickName\":\"flipboard\"}'><b class=\"share-tools__service-name\">Flipboard<\/b><\/button><\/li>\n<li class=\"share-tools__service share-tools__service--email\"><button class=\"share-tools__email-link\" data-story-id=\"nx-s1-5831266\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"share\",\"action\":\"share\",\"clickName\":\"email\"}'><b class=\"share-tools__service-name\">Email<\/b><\/button><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"SHARE-TOOLS SHARE-TOOLS-SECONDARY\" ARIA-LABEL=\"SHARE TOOLS\" --><br \/>\n<!-- END ID=\"NEWSLETTER-ACQUISITION-CALLOUT-DATA\" DATA-NEWSLETTER=\"{&amp;QUOT;NEWSLETTERID&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;LIFE-KIT&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;TITLE&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;LIFE KIT&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;MARKETINGHEADER&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;SIGN UP FOR NPR LIFE KIT&#039;S NEWSLETTER&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;FREQUENCY&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;EVERY WEEK&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;SHORTDESCRIPTION&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;GET EXPERT ADVICE ON LIFESTYLE TOPICS LIKE HEALTH, MONEY, RELATIONSHIPS AND MORE. 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