Follow their lead

This is SO important. Let your child be the expert when it comes to play, even if it doesn't fit your expectation of play and even if it feels repetitive. Children learn the most through play, and will be more interested in interacting with you if you play their way.

Keep it simple

When speaking to your child, you do not have to stick to single words but keep your utterances slow, simple and full of rich intonation. What you say to them might become things that they begin to say.

Stop assuming

Guilty as charged, I also assume what my children need before they ask for it. Perhaps it is a way of preventing frustration, but it is also a missed opportunity to promote language use. Stop assuming what your child needs (even if you know exactly what it is) and wait for them to show you. Then hand it over while modeling the word verbally and through signs.

Do some things wrong

Our kids come to expect us to do everything right all the time. But what if we get it wrong? (e.g. giving them cereal with a fork) I would talk out loud through my "silly decision" and see their reaction when you hand them the wrong thing. Will they tell you?

Self talk

Similar to parallel talk, you'd be narrating what the child might be thinking or doing. 

Be an interpreter

Sometimes if a child isn't using their own voice to speak for themselves, we can offer models for them to use. Think of it like guessing what they want/need and then expressing that in their voice (e.g. if you know they want to go down the slide you could say outloud: "I want to go down the slide Mommy"). Remember to use rich intonation and simple sentences. You do not need to restrict yourself to single words.

Ask less questions

If you do want to ask questions, try to keep them open ended as opposed to yes/no questions or make a comment instead.

Encourage imitation

We all learn language (among other things) by copying what is around us. If your child isn't yet imitating, start by imitating them. Take the same/similar toy and do exactly what they do, right in front of them. They might find this funny or cool.

Face to face

Be at their level and face to face with them at any given opportunity. Plain and simple. Even if you're reading a book to them, you can do this.

Expansions

A more advanced strategy for those kids who are already saying some short sentences is to add a word to increase the complexity of their statements. 

Observe, wait and listen

Pull back a bit and observe what your child is really interested in and don't feel the need to fill every silent moment. Try to understand their play and then get into their world.

Use sign language

Tried and true, babies and children often learn to sign before they can speak, but don't worry they will leave the signs behind once their lips get moving. You can try to learn a few basic signs per week (e.g. "more/again", "help", "milk/water", etc.).

Keep it out of reach

Sometimes it can be a good idea to keep highly preferred items out of reach or in containers that require parent support. Do not force the child to say words to get the things. Accept any means by which they request the item and provide a verbal model (or interpretation- e.g. "I want the cookie Mama") and sign while giving it to them right away. This should not result in a frustrated child, but if it does then stop.

Parallel talk

Think of yourself as a narrator, using short and simple sentences to explain what you're doing (e.g. while cooking or while playing). You can also narrate your thoughts and feelings which can be super helpful for emotion regulation learning. These are models that your child might pick up on and eventually use themselves.