What Do You Do When Your Preschooler Reverts To Baby Talk?

Your preschooler is talking more like a baby and less like a preschooler. It used to be cute—when she actually was a baby! How can you solve this problem?

Why they do it
Many preschoolers are under the impression that talking like a baby makes them more adorable. Also they think it will help them win you over. While this behavior is completely normal, and will usually go away by itself with time, it can be bothersome when you want your child to “act her age.” Putting into action the suggestions below may help you get out of this phase more quickly than merely waiting it out.

Your child may need more attention
Children know they’re moving away from being a baby—a phase where they understood your expectations of them—and may be trying to hold on to that safer and easier time by talking like a baby. This transition is a very real problem for some children. You can help your child feel more secure during this time by giving an extra dose of affection. This will provide him with the courage he needs to move forward.

Explain how you feel
It’s okay to express how much the baby talk troubles you. Invite her to be a part of the solution. “I know you like your baby voice, but it really bothers me. Your big-girl voice is great! Can you talk with that voice instead?”

Act like you don’t understand him
When he says, “Me wanna pay wif bocks,” pretend to be confused by what he said and respond with, “I don’t know what you’re saying. What is it you want?” Since you most likely don’t understand him, this should be a cinch. Don’t respond until your child uses a normal voice.

Respond to what they say in a silly way
Deliberately “hear” what she says in her baby-talk request as something ridiculous. “You want green beans and mushrooms? Okay!”

Add on more “big kid” responsibilities
Have her help do some fun big kid things like putting away the laundry. (Yes, laundry is fun for preschoolers!) As she does these chores, express your excitement for her becoming a big kid and be sure to praise her for her help. The baby talk will oftentimes go away once she sees herself as a big kid.

What not to do

Don’t think that your child wants to upset you
While you find the baby talk annoying, remember to be patient; it’s only a sign that he recognizes he’s growing up and is trying to figure out what that looks and feels like.

Don’t make fun of the way she’s talking
It’s possible your child doesn’t understand how often she’s talking like a baby—or that she’s doing it at all. Always be kind when discussing it with her.

Tips from The No-Cry Discipline Solution