Baby's First Communication Steps

Although most children develop language and communication skills naturally, "on their own", there are many strategies that adults can use with their children to enhance communication skills and development.  There are many ways that adults often communicate with their children that is adequate for typical language development, however for some, getting an early start on communicating in a better way, may help to reduce a child (at risk) from developing a speech and language delay.  I would like to provide periodic "talking tips" to parents and caregivers of children to help in the prevention of communication delays, but just as importantly to help foster improved communication skills between adults and children.  Improved communication may help with your child's development of self esteem, increase the trusting relationship between the child and adult, and foster a happy, loving environment in which to grow and learn.

STEP 1:  Observe your child's interests...

Several strategies can be used to enhance communication with your child.  The first step is to notice what your child is interested in talking or learning about.  Children will tell us if not verbally, through gesturing, eye gaze, body movements, or vocalizations what is interesting to them.  We as parents, caregivers, or "communicators" must "listen" to our child not only with our ears, but with our eyes!  When we know what makes our child happy, interested, inquisitive, we can use that to open up the doors of communication even wider.  For example:  If we are playing blocks with our child and their eye gaze moves from the blocks to the cat who just walked by, we can use this to change the communication/interaction to "talk" and learn about the cat.  "oh, there is Kitty.  Kitty likes to play", rather than continuing to play with the blocks.  You may get a smile, vocalization "kit", or "kitty", or a pointing/reaching gesture.  This little act of watching your child's focus of attention and interest and shifting to a "child focused" interaction will allow your child to feel important, and that you are interested in his/her thoughts, and feelings.  This is the first foundation in communicating more effectively with your child.

continue to STEP 2:  Communicate on your child's level ...