Because your wee one is new to words and sentences, how you say things can be just as important as what you’re actually saying. It’s incredible how much you can say without saying very much at all. Encouraging words spoken with a smile in gentle, positive tones speaks will let your wee one know they’ve done well, that you’re pleased with them and that you love them.

There will be times when you have to use a more stern tone of voice to warn your wee one away from danger or to let them know that they have done something wrong. Just remember to heap on the praise when they learn what is right.