Date published: 14 July 2025
How reading to children in their early years can help boost their speech and language development, attachments and bonding.
By the age of two, most toddlers can say about 50 words clearly. If a child is struggling with their speech, early intervention is vital.
Community groups can be a huge support and health visitors refer children as young as two. Designed by a speech and language therapist, ‘Chattertime’ sessions at the Linaker Family Wellbeing Centre in Sefton revolve around books and the joy of reading.
Mum of two Georgina Whitehead went with her daughter Nola following her two year review. Bringing stories to life using finger puppets, singing and messy play, Nola was captivated and Georgina learned useful tips and techniques.
“Now when I miss out a word, Nola fills it in. I describe everything I’m doing and repeat words – that works especially well at teatime when we’re ‘chop, chop, chopping’ and ‘mash, mash, mashing’! The session built my confidence and I’m using a lot of the same techniques with Nola’s baby sister, Marlowe.”
Helen Pruden, operational manager for Mersey Care’s health visitor team in Sefton said, “Children meet specific milestones at slightly different times. We’d urge parents not to panic, but if you have concerns talk to your health visitor.”
Helen says creating a home environment where babies play and interact with books is great but it can start even earlier than that.
“Talking, reading and singing to a baby even before it’s born helps create a strong bond and supports language development.”
Find out if there's a family hub in your local area
Top tips
- Follow the leader
Notice what your child is interested in and talk about these things
- Take a choice
Ask questions that can’t just be answered by ‘yes’ or ‘no’. For example “Would you like a yoghurt or a banana?”
- Time to think
Give them time to get words out.
- Right read
Read anything with children – recipes, birthday cards, shopping lists will all build fluency and confidence
For more tips visit Let's get talking | Toddler | Health Under 5s
Find more ideas and help
Look, Say, Sing, Play - Brain-building tips | NSPCC
The first 1001 critical days – promoting your baby’s development | Pregnancy | Health for Under 5s
Right to read
Award winning children’s author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce describes shared reading as a ‘route to happiness’ for children.
Speaking at the launch of a Book Trust campaign to promote reading, he said, “Those first 1000 days of life, so much happens that sets the course for the rest of your life. If you are read to before you go to school, you not only have a huge educational advantage but also a huge emotional advantage in terms of attachments and bonding.”
Frank grew up in a small flat with his mum, grandmother and brother and remembers fondly regular visits to his local library.
" I don't think mum was hoping to hothouse us. I think she just wanted to get out and have somewhere nice to sit! I've just got these unbelievably happy memories... so that's what makes me passionate about happiness."
You too can enjoy your local library – they are free to join.
