Children develop at different rates, and your toddler may need additional encouragement to express themself verbally. Fortunately, many methods can encourage communication before your little one is of preschool age. Below are a few strategies to help foster communication with your child.

How to Develop Your Child’s Communication Skills

1. Narrate Activities

Communication will start when your child begins making connections between language and the physical world. To help encourage this, try narrating your activities for your child throughout the day.

For instance, when you clean up the toys, name each toy as you put it away and explain that it goes back in the box when playtime is over. You can also ask questions to get your child more involved in the process. This involves asking them where each toy goes and what they want to do with the toys while playing.

2. Make Communication Fun

Rather than pressuring your child to speak, keep the mood light, and make it entertaining. Children can learn quite a bit when they’re enjoying themselves, especially if you encourage them to have fun. For instance, have your child pick out a book and then read it aloud to them. Have them turn the pages or point to pictures they like to involve your child in the process.

If your child is more active, let them take the lead and notice what captures their interest. Your child will be more apt to open up if when participating in an activity that is stimulating and enjoyable.

3. Encourage Non-Verbal Communication

While getting your child to speak is the end goal, you should also encourage non-verbal communication. Before babies start talking, they’ll often express themselves through physical gestures. Pay close attention to their gestures, so you can understand what they’re trying to communicate and then respond.

For example, if your baby lifts their arms, they may want you to pick them up. The more you pay attention to body language and respond positively, the more they will want to share with you.

Language is a vital part of your child’s development. At Lil Smarties Learning Centers in Ferguson, MO, your child can develop their language skills in a caring and nurturing environment. This immersive early childhood center offers everything from infant daycare to preschool programs to support your child’s development. To inquire about their preschool programs or to enroll your child, call (314) 473-1233.