Teaching Your Child The Right Words: 4 Communication Tips

Communication is the cornerstone of a child’s development. At its most basic level, it refers to the act of understanding and feeling understood. Communication helps children understand and explain their thoughts, feelings, and knowledge.

Moreover, early childhood psychology also stresses the importance of social and communication skills to help children become more communicative. Research suggests that even infants can pick up on “conversations” and may even engage in baby talk to indicate that they want to be included.

However, sometimes, children struggle with their communication. That’s not always a sign of alarm because children are still learning and growing at that age. Here’s how parents can help boost their children’s communication skills.

1. Verbalize Feelings and Thoughts

Children are very perceptive to their surroundings, especially to their care-givers. If you find that your child gives very terse answers, it may be because they’ve picked it up from you or a friend their own age.

It would help if you verbalized your own feelings and thoughts whenever you spend time with your child. Tell them how you’re feeling; chat during commutes and narrate meal preparation steps. You’ll soon notice that your child will start doing the same.

2. Include Them In Conversations

Most of the time, adults are busy in their own conversations while the child sits and listens. This may lead to feelings of being left out or unconsciously force your child remain quiet while others talk. Therefore, be sure to include them in the conversation.

Ask them what they think of certain food items. If you’re talking about difficult days, ask your child about their difficult days. These questions will help them open up to you, and the next time, they may even approach you on your own.

3. Introduce New Words

Young children have limited vocabulary, so sometimes they may not even have the words to describe what they’re feeling or thinking. One of the best ways to overcome this is to introduce them to new terms! Read to them before bedtime or listen to a child-approved podcast during commutes, your child will start picking up on new words and even ask you for help about their contexts. This will help your child expand their vernacular and also use them to describe their feelings and thoughts.

Send Your Child to Preschool Programs

Sending your child to a quality preschool program will help them hone and refine all sorts of skills, including communication with people outside their family. Whole Child Development Centre is based in Lenexa and functions as an afterschool care program and preschool program with various integrative techniques to help your child become confident and effective speakers. Read more on their blog or contact them now to learn more.