Follow your child’s lead
One of the most important strategies when supporting communication development is following your child’s interests. Whether they are fascinated by Spider-Man, watching the rain outside the window or running back and forth across the room, these interests provide valuable opportunities for connection and interaction. Rather than directing play or trying to shift attention elsewhere, sitting alongside them, observing what has captured their attention and engaging in the activity with them helps build trust, shared attention and communication foundations. A useful reflection point for parents is noticing how often they say “look” or repeatedly call their child’s name during play. This can sometimes indicate that the adult is leading the interaction rather than following the child’s focus.
The power of watching and waiting
Communication development is not always about talking more. Often, one of the most powerful things adults can do is pause, observe and wait. By giving children time to process and respond naturally, parents can notice subtle communication attempts. Such as turning towards a toy, reaching for an object or looking at an adult. These moments are all meaningful forms of communication.
Speaking your child’s language
Just as we naturally tune into familiar language in busy environments, children become more engaged when adults join in with what genuinely interests them.
Building communication through play
Play is far more than entertainment; it is the foundation for developing communication skills. Through shared play experiences, children begin to develop: Joint attention, shared interactions and turn-taking.
Understanding and using language
Simple activities can create powerful opportunities for communication. For example, introducing an engaging toy and then pausing gives the child an opportunity to respond in their own way. A reach, glance or movement towards the toy becomes an opportunity for adults to model language naturally in context.
Modelling language
Children need to hear words repeatedly, and always within meaningful contexts, before they can understand and use them independently. Rather than asking children to repeat words or placing demands on them to speak, adults can simply model the language alongside actions and routines. For example, if a child walks to the fridge wanting milk, an adult might say “milk” or “open.” If a child reaches for a snack, the adult can model the name of the item as they hand it over. This repeated exposure helps children connect words to real experiences in a natural, pressure-free way.
Offering choices to encourage communication
Providing simple choices is another effective way to encourage interaction and understanding. Instead of asking broad questions such as: “Do you want a snack?” parents can offer two clear options: “Do you want jellies or chocolate?” Even if the child responds by pointing or reaching rather than speaking, it still provides an opportunity to model the language associated with their choice.
Using visual and tactile supports
Making communication visual can also help children understand routines and transitions more easily. Using objects linked to activities, such as showing a nappy before changing time or holding up a bottle before a drink, can provide meaningful visual and tactile cues. Over time, children may begin to independently use these objects to communicate their wants and needs.
Creating meaningful connections
Supporting communication development does not require complicated resources or structured teaching sessions. Often, the most valuable moments happen during everyday routines, shared interests and playful interactions. By slowing down, following a child’s lead and modelling language naturally throughout the day, parents and carers can help build strong foundations for communication, connection and learning.
