Many parents worry about whether they’re doing enough to help their child learn new words. Should they repeat words more? Test their child? Ask them to say the word back?

A research study that closely observed parents and young children gives a very reassuring answer: most parents already introduce new words in exactly the right way—naturally, during everyday interactions 

New words grow out of everyday moments

In the study, parents were given brand-new, made-up words to use while playing with their child. What’s interesting is how parents used them. They didn’t stop playing to “teach” the word. Instead, they slipped new words into what they were already doing—talking about a toy, sharing a moment, or commenting on something the child noticed.

Parents talked about what their child was looking at, touching, or interested in. Sometimes they repeated the new word. Sometimes they didn’t. And very often, the child didn’t say the word back right away — and that was completely okay.

Children don’t have to say a word to be learning it

One of the most important findings was that children often didn’t immediately say the new word, especially the first few times they heard it. But parents kept using the word anyway. This matters because learning the meaning of a word takes time. Children need to hear a word many times, in many different situations, before they can start to understand and use it.

So, if your child hears you say the word “sticky” when they get something sticky like honey or glue on their hands, and it’s a new word for them, don’t worry if they don’t say it themselves   — it’s part of how learning works.

Parents naturally adjust to their child

The study also showed that parents instinctively change how they talk depending on their child’s needs. For example:

• Some parents repeated the new words a number of times.
• Others worked harder to help their child notice what they were talking about.
• Many waited and gave their child time, rather than expecting an immediate response.

Parents did not need help knowing how to make these adjustments when interacting with their children.

What this means for you

You don’t need screens or flashcards to help your child learn new words. In fact, research shows that what matters most is how you use new words naturally in your everyday interactions with your child. The most powerful things you can do to build your child’s language and vocabulary are:

• Follow your child’s lead - notice what your child is already interested in and talk about that. For example, if your toddler is pushing a toy car and then stopping, you can simply join in and say: “Uh oh, your car stopped!”  Or if your child is watching bubbles float in the air, you might say: “Wow, the bubbles are floating in the air!” It is best not to change the topic and draw your child’s attention to something else. Stick to what they are interested in. 
• Talk about what they are interested in, even if they don’t respond - Children don’t need to repeat words to be learning them. Hearing words again and again, and in different situations, is how understanding grows. So, if your child touches sticky tape, you might say, “That’s sticky,” and they may not say anything back. If they hear “sticky” in other relevant situations such as during play, snack time, and clean-up, they’re gradually learning what “sticky” means.  Silence from your child doesn’t mean they are not learning —your child is listening, watching, and learning in their own way. Just keep using words naturally. Giving your child time and space to process information supports learning without pressure.
• And enjoy the interaction. Language grows best in enjoyable, shared moments—when your child feels relaxed and listened to. If you’re building blocks together, splashing during bath time, or going for a walk and pointing out trucks, leaves, or dogs, those are the moments that count. You don’t need your child to say the word for the interaction to be successful. When talking feels relaxed and enjoyable, children are more likely to stay engaged and keep learning over time.

Talking together isn’t just conversation. It’s how language grows – slowly, naturally and through everyday moments.