Communication is the way that we connect with the world around us. Whether it be using a string of words, a groan or a grunt. Babies communicate with us in many ways to tell us what they need. This develops into words and full sentences in their first few years of childhood.
We have paired up with a prep school in Amersham to share tips on how you can help your child to develop their communication skills.
Support their communication with a response
It’s only a wonder what our children say to us but it’s important that we respond and encourage it. This can help to create a type of language system for you and your child as you try to figure out what it is that they want.
Responding can be replying back with the same sound, using simple words like ‘you want milk’ when your child nuzzles your breast.
Prompt communication
To prompt communication from your child, you can even make eye contact and talk to them when they look at you. These should be open-ended questions like ‘why are you so grumpy today’ or ‘what do you want to do today’.
Be a listener
Always wait and make eye contact to demonstrate that you are listening and awaiting a response.
Allow your child time to respond and this will encourage them by making them feel like a good communicator.
Practice non-verbal communication
As well as promoting your child’s formal communication, it’s important to teach them how to interpret body language. This will help them to be a better communicator by being able to sense and identify emotions without being told.
If another child is covering their face or crying, tell your child that they’re sad and to say sorry if they have caused any upset. This will help your child to become a more intuitive listener and understanding of emotions.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post