ready and will come to the table, because she has smelt the food and seen you setting the table. She may not have understood the words "lunchtime now" without those other cues to go with them. Get your toddler's attention by saying her name before you talk to her and making eye contact with her (DE 2010: 11, NHS 2011) . This will help her understand when you are talking to her. Give your toddler plenty of opportunities to talk during everyday activities. If you ask her a question, leave a 10-second pause, so that she has time to answer you (NHS 2011, Sheridan 2008: 74) . Expose your toddler to new situations where you can introduce more words. Take her on the bus or for a walk. Point out things you see when you're out and about (GOSH 2008, NHS 2011) . Repeat back what you hear your toddler trying to say to you, even if she doesn't say it clearly. Expand on what she says. So if your toddler says "nana" when she wants a banana, you could say "Yes, here's a banana." (DE 2010: 11, NHS 2011) Simplify your speech. Use short sentences and emphasise key words when you are talking to your toddler. This will help her to focus on the important information (DE 2010: 13, Sheridan 2008: 74) . Switch off unnecessary background noise such as the TV or radio. This will help your toddler to focus her attention on you when you are talking