Psychology Science Minute #396

Since early life experiences are crucial for a child’s development, how do the language skills and actions of parents affect children’s language?

British psychologists researched how, in the home, the impact of the quantity and quality of adult speech, is associated with children’s ability to use different words and their cognitive ability. They assessed if positive and critical parenting is associated with children’s behavior.

They evaluated 105 families with 2-4 years old children by giving parents questions, self-report surveys and audio-recorders to record home conversations. They counted the number of words a child heard at home. Additionally, they identified the parents’ cognitive ability and positive and critical parenting behaviors.

Results? The number of words spoken and vocabulary diversity within a child’s home was positively associated with a child’s cognitive ability and language facility. Parents who listened to their child, responded to their child’s needs, and encouraged exploring and expression, had children who showed more on-task and less contrary behaviors...