You don't need special toys or a lot of time to help your little one talk. Many speech-language pathologists coach parents to use the moments you already have: snack time, bath time, getting dressed, reading before bed. Ten minutes a day, spread across the day, adds up.
Here are six simple games built on the ideas parents often learn in programs like Hanen's It Takes Two to Talk. They work for toddlers who are just starting to talk, and for kids who need a little extra practice.
1. Follow their lead
Watch what your child is already looking at or playing with, and join in. If they're pushing a car, get down on the floor and push one too. Kids talk more about things they already care about.
Try it: Sit face to face, at their eye level. Say one word about what they're doing: "Car!" "Go!" "Crash!"
2. The pause game
After you say something, stop and wait. Count to five in your head. That quiet gap gives your child time to look at you, point, make a sound, or try a word.
Try it: Hold up a snack and say "Apple?" Then wait. Any sound, point or look counts as their turn. Answer it like it's a word: "Yes, apple!"
3. Say it twice, slowly
Short, clear words are easier to copy. Say the word, pause, and say it again. Stretch the sounds a little.
Try it: "Baaall. Ball." Then roll it. Repeat every time the ball comes back.
4. Add one word
When your child says one word, give it back with one more word. This shows them the next step without asking them to repeat anything.
Try it: Child says "dog." You say "Big dog!" or "Dog runs!"
5. Make routines into talking moments
Everyday routines happen the same way each time, so kids learn what's coming and can join in. Use the same few words every time.
Try it: At bath time: "Water on. Splash, splash! Water off." At bedtime: "Shoes off. Pajamas on. Book time."
6. Point and name in a book
Picture books are one of the easiest talking games there is. You don't have to read every word. Point to one thing, name it, and wait for your child to look or point too.
Try it: "Where's the cup? There's the cup!" Let your child turn the pages, even if they skip ahead.
Books with familiar faces can help here. Kids look longer at pictures of people they know, so photos of family, or a book where your child and you are on the page, make pointing and naming extra fun.
A few things to keep in mind
- Every sound counts. Cheer for tries, not perfect words.
- No quizzing. "Say ball!" can turn play into a test. Model the word and let them join in when they're ready.
- Keep it short and happy. Stop while it's still fun.
- Screens off. Talking games work best face to face, with your full attention.
When to ask for help
If you're worried about your child's speech, you don't have to wait. In Ontario, the free Preschool Speech and Language program takes self-referrals, with no doctor's note needed. Other provinces and US states have similar early intervention programs. Your family doctor or pediatrician can also point you to a speech-language pathologist.
Every child is different. Talk to your doctor or a speech-language pathologist about your child.
Last checked: September 25, 2026.
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