Dr. Sally recently started up a "Heart to Heart" column here at Early Childhood News and Resources. Here is our first reader question:

"My question is in reguards to language development. My son is 20 months old and he says a several words. i.e. night night, momma, dadddy, hello, six, seven, moo, socks, shoes. He follows commands perfectly when asked to perform a task which tells me he understands language. I was not too worried but my mother in law keeps butting in and asking if I have asked the pediatrician about him not speaking full sentences. Also When should i start potty training my husband is really animate about not having a 3 yr old in diapers but we are expecting #2 in august just 2 months before my son turns 2. Im afraid if we start potty training too soon he will regress."

- Cherie Mallynn

Here is Dr. Sally's reply:

Hi Cherie,

I only have good news for you about your two concerns. You can stop worrying about them right now and go ahead and reassure your mother-in-law and your husband that all is well with your child. Both language and potty use “develop” during the early childhood years of birth to age five. “Develop” is the key word, and you can’t teach development. On the other hand, you can foster it in normal, natural, and enjoyable ways. How cool is that!

Language development--

First, set up your environment so that it is as conducive as possible for your son to hear and respond to language. Do what you can to have your child around people who love him as much as possible. They really know exactly what to say, and they will say it a lot. Others who know and like him will help too. Second, use your positive self to respond with joy and interest to all words, phrases, and sentences you hear your son say.

Potty training--

First, set up your potty area so that it is as user-friendly for your son as possible. Second, use that same positive self to respond with delight to all of your sons successful endeavors.

The more of a positive spin you can give to what your son is accomplishing in both of these areas, the quicker and faster you will see “growth and development.” If no two snowflakes are alike, you can rest assured that no two children are alike either :-) . Enjoy your child’s uniqueness!

More questions will be answered soon!