April 13, 2011
Updated Apr 13, 2011 at 8:40 PM EDT
(WKBW/ABC News) A new study finds that when speaking to toddlers, it's better to sprinkle the conversation with 'um'' and 'uh''.
Researchers say the use of these verbal crutches when speaking to 18-to-30 month old children may actually help them learn new words.
Turns out children of this age paid more attention to a new word if it was preceded by an "um" or an "uh".
According to the study, the verbal crutches served as a sign that a new word is coming.
