How to strengthen your child’s ability to communicate effectively

Avoid the temptation to correct

Although we should give our children the correct language, we can be sensitive about how we do this. For example, if your child says “Doggy gogg” you could say, “Yes the doggy has gone hasn’t it. I wonder where it has gone?” This is very different to saying “No, it’s not gogg it’s gone.”

Challenge but don’t overwhelm

ICAN advises “using sentences that are roughly one word longer than the sentences your child uses. For example if they are using one word you use two; if they are using four you use five. This will help extend your child’s sentences as they can hear what the sentence structures for longer sentences are like”

Introduce books early on

If a child is read to from an early age they naturally learn about the structure of language. If your child won’t sit still, try a book at a time when they are relaxed. For older children, story tapes can be a wonderful way for children to also develop their imagination.

Watch TV together

As far as possible, watch TV together and talk about the characters and what is happening. Encourage your child to interact with you whilst the TV is on and ask them to tell you about it later.

Think about how you talk

For young children to take an interest in what you are saying, the general advice is to use shorter sentences, slow things down slightly and pause frequently.