There are a few things you should know about toddlers and their communication style. Tip #1: Toddlers think out loud. It’s nearly impossible for them to think something without verbalizing it.

Example: Silas was on his way to the bedroom to get a shirt. I heard him comment to himself as he left the family room, “My belly button’s big.” Tip #2: Possessives are essential to a toddler’s understanding of his world. This clears up any confusion over what belongs to whom.

Example: Silas was at a friend’s birthday party on Saturday, and he loved playing with his friend’s Ironman action figure. To help smooth the goodbye process, we kept reminding him that, “The Ironman isn’t yours.” That way no surprises came when he had to leave the toy to go home. The next morning Stephen was talking to Silas about the party and asked, “What was your favorite part?” Silas answered, “Not yours Ironman.” Tip #3: Toddlers like to announce what each family member is doing or feeling.

Example: On our drive to church yesterday, he commented, “Daddy’s happy…..Mommy’s happy…..My happy.” Tip #4: Toddlers take immense pride in their accomplishments, and will be sure to tell you how great they’re doing.

Example: Silas climbed up a ladder on the playground that he had never managed on his own before. Once he reached the top, he announced, “I big now!” Tip #5: Toddlers are sponges and will soak up whatever information they’re given.

Example: Silas surprises us with the songs he can sing. We sing a lot with him, and he listens to music as he’s falling asleep. Sunday morning before church Stephen was playing a recording, and Silas was singing along, “Hallelujah! All I have is Christ. Hallelujah! Jesus is my life.” What a way to prepare our hearts for worship!

Here’s a video of Silas singing “My God Is So Big.” He tries it by himself and then asks me to sing with him.