Becoming a parent is one of life’s most transformative experiences. Among the many responsibilities, building a deep connection with your baby is one of the most powerful—and protective—things you can do.

Language is one of the most powerful tools a toddler develops—and between the ages of 2 and 4, it truly takes off. One moment, your child is naming objects and using two-word phrases; the next, they’re telling stories, asking endless “why?” questions, and expressing emotions in words.

But what’s going on behind the scenes?