[{"id":1,"myth_or_misstep":null,"myth_text":"Comparing your child to other children","what_often_happens":"Temperament and comfort levels vary a lot. What matters is your child’s own progress over time.","instead_text":""},{"id":2,"myth_or_misstep":null,"myth_text":"Expecting long, steady eye contact","what_often_happens":"For young children, quick glances are meaningful. Think “check ins,” not staring.","instead_text":""},{"id":3,"myth_or_misstep":null,"myth_text":"Expecting long, steady eye contact","what_often_happens":"For young children, quick glances are meaningful. Think “check ins,” not staring.","instead_text":""},{"id":4,"myth_or_misstep":null,"myth_text":"Holding your child’s face or trying to “aim” their eyes","what_often_happens":"Even when it is meant gently, this can feel uncomfortable and can reduce trust in the moment.","instead_text":""},{"id":5,"myth_or_misstep":null,"myth_text":"Turning it into a test","what_often_happens":"Asking lots of questions or waiting for the “right” response can make play feel tense. Connection grows faster when play stays playful.","instead_text":""},{"id":6,"myth_or_misstep":null,"myth_text":"Saying “Look at me” again and again","what_often_happens":"Many children look less when they feel pressured. A quiet pause and a warm face often works better than repeated prompting.","instead_text":""},{"id":7,"myth_or_misstep":"","myth_text":"Asking for a performance all day long.","what_often_happens":"If every object turns into “What’s this?” many toddlers start to tune out, even if they understand.","instead_text":""},{"id":8,"myth_or_misstep":"","myth_text":"Repeating “say it” over and over.","what_often_happens":"It is a common instinct, but it can create pressure. Modeling the word calmly is usually more helpful than pushing for a repeat.","instead_text":""},{"id":9,"myth_or_misstep":"","myth_text":"Correcting every attempt.","what_often_happens":"If your child says “ba” for ball, that is useful progress. You can respond with the clear word without making it feel like they got it wrong.","instead_text":""},{"id":10,"myth_or_misstep":"","myth_text":"Offering too many choices at once.","what_often_happens":"A big pile of toys or a long list of options can make it harder for your child to focus on the word you are using.","instead_text":""},{"id":11,"myth_or_misstep":"","myth_text":"Rushing the moment.","what_often_happens":"Many toddlers need an extra beat to look, reach, point, or make a sound. Quick prompts can accidentally cut off their attempt.","instead_text":""},{"id":12,"myth_or_misstep":"","myth_text":"Only using flashcards or drills.","what_often_happens":"Pictures can help, but real life objects and routines often lead to better carryover because your child sees the item, uses it, and hears the word together.","instead_text":""}]