As parents and caregivers, you play the most important role in your child’s communication journey. You don’t need special tools or flashcards — just your voice, your time, and your connection.
Here are some simple, everyday strategies to support your child’s speech and language development:
1. Follow your child’s lead
Let your child take the lead in play or conversation. Watch what they’re interested in and join in. This helps them feel seen, heard, and in control — which builds trust and engagement.
2. Get face to face
Being at your child’s eye level helps them see your facial expressions, hear your words clearly, and feel connected. Whether you’re playing, reading, or talking, try sitting or crouching to their level.
3. Talk about what they’re doing
Narrate what’s happening in the moment using simple words. For example:
- “You’re stacking blocks!”
- “The car is going fast!”
This helps your child connect words to actions and ideas.
4. Pause and wait
Sometimes, we fill in the silence too quickly. Try pausing after you speak or ask a question. This gives your child more time to process and respond — even if it’s just with a sound, gesture, or look.
5. Repeat and expand
If your child says or gestures something, repeat it and add a little more. For example:
- Child: “Dog!”
- Adult: “Yes, the dog is running!”
6. Use fun voices, gestures and expressions
Children are drawn to animated voices and expressions. Using gestures, pointing, and showing emotion keeps communication engaging and meaningful.
7. Make it playful
Communication is more than words. Singing songs, playing peek-a-boo, pretending with toys, and making silly sounds are all ways to build interaction, turn-taking, and language — all through play.
Final thoughts:
There’s no perfect way to support your child’s communication — just many little moments of connection. Start where your child is at and build from there. If you’re ever unsure or want extra support, a speech pathologist can help guide the way.
If you think your child has More to Say, contact us here.
📍 Wollongong & surrounding areas
