Category: Speak to

When out at a place like a park, look for the big kids. Sit your child on your lap or move yourselves so you can watch them together and talk about what you’re seeing. “Those kids are playing hide-and-seek like you will one day!”

Drop a small snack inside an empty clear plastic bottle. Encourage your child to get the piece out of the bottle. Do they shake the bottle or put their fingers inside? Can they try in different ways. If they’re struggling ask, “What would happen if you turned it upside down?”

As you eat with your child, describe the flavors you both are eating. “The fruit is sweet.” “The pickle is sour.” Make a face that goes along with each flavor to make it more fun. You can also talk about which foods you like the best.

As you sit down to eat, look at the table and talk with your child about where things are. “Where’s the plate? The plate is on the table. Veggies are in the bowl. The spoon is next to the plate.” What if you move them? “Now, where is the spoon?”

Dressing your child? Talk about each step of the process. For example, “First we put your leg in the pants. Then we put in the other leg. Now we pull the pants up.” Pause after each step so they can move their legs, stand up to help you, or make a comment.

When changing your child’s diaper, describe the steps you’re taking: “First you lay down. Then we take off your pants. Now I unfasten your diaper.” Pause after each so they can lift their bottom or move their legs to help.

As you shop, let your child help by holding some stuff. Choose the items by color or let them point to the one they want to hold and name the color. “You’re holding the yellow box. What else is yellow?” or “Can you hold this brown box?”

During changing time, see if there’s something safe and mirror-like to give your child. Point to their nose in the mirror and say, “There’s your nose. Can you find your mouth? Your eyes?” Have a conversation about what they’re finding.

Practice using gestures with your child as another way to communicate. You can wave your hand and say “hi!” or shake your head and say “no.” Or you can clap your hands and say “yay!” See if they will mimic your actions and sounds. Try going back and forth like a conversation.

As you change your child, talk about the things you’re using and how they feel. Talk about the wet wipe, the soft pad, or whatever is handy. Watch where they’re looking or pointing, and talk about that too. “That’s the bed. It’s soft,” or “This is the diaper. It’s smooth!”