Parents always ask me “How do I get my child to speak early?” Every child is different, but most children say their first word around 12-months of age. Sorry moms, but it’s usually “dada” because it’s easier to say. One of the tips I always tell parents, is to talk to their child all day long (yes, they are listening!). Label everything in their environment and describe every activity as it is occurring. For example, while giving your child a bath talk/sing throughout. I used to sing a silly washing song while washing each body part, “Wishy-washy, wishy-washy, wash your feet.” Other tips include, use a slower rate of speech, use shorter phrases, and read, read, read. Children are never to young to be exposed to reading.