Slurred Talking Children, What Causes It?

Illustration (Eren Li/Pexels)

JAKARTA - The child is already a toddler but still talks like a baby, it may sound funny. But, if it comes out of the mouth of a child who should be able to pronounce sentences clearly, it's certainly not funny anymore. Why are they like this?

Parent

If your little one talks like that and seems spoiled, you might get used to it. At first, it was probably just for fun, and you followed suit. But after a while, the child feels supported and the habit emerges. Any adult in your home who invites your child to talk 'slurred', is clearly not good for your child's language development.

Better you start making an agreement among family members to no longer invite your little one to talk in 'baby language'. Correct your child's speech without blaming. For example, when your little one asks for 'cucu', you can correct him by saying, “Oh, you mean drinking milk, right?”

Looking for attention

However, it is not always the slurred speech because the little one imitates the adults around him. It could be that he just wants to get your attention, for example, because you are too busy with his baby sister. By talking like a baby again, your little one expects you to pay attention. This can be an 'alarm' for you to return to pay attention to your little one who may be feeling jealous of his sister's presence. Involve him in taking care of his little brother by asking him to do simple chores, such as helping you pick up towels or powder for his sister. This method makes your little one feel that you are being cared for. He will also feel proud to be the needed big brother.