When your child is struggling to communicate, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and constantly feel like you are translating what your child is trying to say. It can often feel like the most difficult game of Guess Who! 

During this phase, it is hard to imagine ever getting to the stage where your child is debating with you about curfews or sharing their opinions about their attire. But language skills start early – from birth. 

It isn’t necessary to “teach” your child with flashcards, expensive toys, or formal classes. Research suggests your child learns best during everyday activities such as playing, talking, laughing, and reading. 

Here’s a tip you can use to support your child’s language …  especially when you are having trouble understanding your child:  Become a master observer!

You may not realize it, but your child is trying to tell you things throughout the day. Life gets in the way, the phone rings, the dog needs food and we simply become distracted. 

The more we can channel our inner fly on the wall, the more we will notice that our child is constantly trying to communicate.

Not sure what to look for? Children communicate in a variety of different ways. Here are a few examples of ways your child may be communicating with you:

• Smiling
  • What is bringing your child joy? Is it a funny noise, an object, you?
• Reaching for an Object
  • Your child can be expressing a desire for that object. Opposite, if your child is pushing an item away, he/she is expressing his/her distaste for an object
  • In a group of objects, which object is your child grabbing?
• Investigating an Object
  • Your child is expressing curiosity. If your child picked up a car, are they looking at the color or shape? Are they trying to spin the wheels? Maybe they are wondering how the object moves. 
• Using gestures or changing body position
  • Is your child suddenly bouncing and appearing excited? 
  • Is your child pointing or making noise in the direction of an object?
• Simply looking 
  • If your child is looking at an object, they are showing interest or curiosity. Take a look in the direction your child is gazing and try to determine what is catching their eye. 
  • Bring the object closer to your child or bring your child closer to the object. Describe the object, let your toddler feel the object, and show your child how the object works. 

All too often we get wrapped up in words. We feel that if our children are not saying words then they are not communicating. That is simply not true! 

Your child is constantly communicating with you. We just need to retrain our brain to see those communication attempts and respond appropriately. 

Did you enjoy this blog? Ready to learn 4 more tips that will help you with your child’s communication? 

Check out my eBook “6 to 60 months: Communication at Home.” Available NOW!