5 communication strategies to help your child's speech and language development

Wondering what you can do to help your child’s speech and language development?  Here are 5 communication strategies that you can use today to help your child to encourage their language development. 

1. Follow their lead

   The easiest way to build your child's confidence as a communicator is to follow their lead. Instead of becoming the director/leader "I have the monkey, let’s feed it!" Give your child the opportunity to be the leader. 

2. Decrease Questions and Commands 

   Children oftentimes get overwhelmed with questions but it's common for parents to use them when their child is less expressive. Instead of asking questions such as “What’s this?” or commands such as ,“Say ___!” use statements instead (e.g. blue car!). Being less directive allows children the opportunity to initiate communication and learn language in a more naturalistic way.

3. Get face to face 

   You may be surprised by how often you say things to your child while you are turned away from them. To help your toddler learn language and to be a better communicator, not only should you slow down, but you should also look at your child, and get face to face. 

4. Wait

   Waiting is a powerful tool. It provides your child with opportunities to initiate communication, or respond to what you have said and done. At first, this may be uncomfortable for parents or caregivers because there can be a lot of silence.  Look at your child expectantly and wait for them to respond. It’s amazing the things they’ll do when they have the opportunity. 

5. Repeat, repeat, REPEAT!

   “Repetition of the mother of all learning.” Developing brains require repetition to make this habitual. Repetition is a powerful tool to help anchor information into their brains.

With Love,

SG Speech Therapy