The document "Comprehensive professional guidance on child development care in the first 5 years of life", issued with Decision No. 40/QD-BYT dated January 6, 2023 of the Ministry of Health affirms that language development is one of the most important pillars for the development of young children.
According to the professional guidance of the Ministry of Health, the language includes two parts: Receptive language and expressed language. These two factors develop very early and are directly affected by the interaction of parents - caregivers.
Acceptance language is the ability of children to understand what others say. When a few months old, the manifestations of receptive language can be as simple as the child turning around when hearing his mother call his name.
As they age, they begin to understand the content of conversations, stories told and analysis by adults. Children also know how to follow small agreements promised to their parents, showing an increasingly rich understanding of language and communication rules.
Along with the received language, the expressed language is formed very early, right from the time the baby is born. Children crying from hunger, feeling uncomfortable when soaked in diapers or raising their arms to hold them are all initial forms of expression. These signals show that children know how to use body language to convey needs. When their mother talks and replies with a gentle response, the child will gradually know the requirements and demands of what they want.
According to the Ministry of Health, daily interactions such as talking, holding, barking, signaling and guiding children to perform activities are core factors that stimulate language development and at the same time promote the development of children throughout the year. This is not just a simple communication activity but also a process of activating and nurturing the development of the brain.
The document emphasizes that each child is a separate individual with a different growth rate. Some children absorb more quickly and some are also slower, but most of them are capable of comprehensive development if properly cared for. The most important thing is that development areas need to be developed evenly.
Therefore, parents are advised to closely observe their children's behavior, reaction and any changes to detect early signs of abnormalities. When detected early, interventions according to new instructions are highly effective and help children develop better.
In parallel with the role of parents, health workers are responsible for guiding parents to take their children for regular check-ups to assess their comprehensive development. These examinations help detect standard deviations from the initial stage. Because a possibility of slow development can lead to delays in other areas, affecting children's opportunities to integrate and succeed in the future. Health care providers can use Appendices 2, 3 and 5 of the guidance document to advise on appropriate support methods.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the foundation for all progress in language development lies in the brain, and there are 5 important principles related to brain development in the first years of life.
First, the brain develops continuously over time and children learn through early experience right from the first months.
Second, the brain development process takes place in parallel with the process of " trimming" nerve connections, helping to optimize functions.
Third, the interaction between caregivers and children in the form of " serving - giving" is a strong factor that stimulates the development of both the quantity and quality of brain connections.
Fourth, the brain's learning ability and flexibility decrease with age, so early education plays an important role.
Finally, toxic stress can skew the healthy development of the brain, directly affecting children's ability to learn and develop.
According to information from the book series "Parenting Handbook: No one is perfect" compiled by authors from UNICEF Vietnam, the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (old) and the Public Health Agency of Canada, children aged 2-3 years old are able to speak and understand what others say better. However, children still need a lot of help to do what you ask for and follow the instructions.
The authors say that communication with children is quite easy at this age. When talking to your child, use a gentle and decisive voice. Attract children's attention when you are talking. Lowering your body to the eye of your child and face up is the best way to talk to your child.
