How Can I Encourage My Child to Talk? Simple Games to Build Communication
If your child is not yet talking or is only using a few words, you may be wondering what you can do at home to encourage their communication.
Parent's often ask me which toys to buy or if there are flash cards that I would recommend. The secret is, that most of the best opportunities to build language come from simple games involving you and your child.
Speech and Language Therapists call these People Games.
What are People Games?
People Games are simple, repetitive games that involve two or more people rather than relying on toys.
You are probably already playing some without even realising it.
Common People Games include:
Peek-a-boo
Hide-and-seek
Chasing games
Bouncing your child on your knee or giving them a horsey ride on your back
Finger games such as "Round and Round the Garden" or "This Little Piggy"
Simple songs and nursery rhymes with actions, such as "Ring-a-Ring-a-Rosie" or "Row, Row Your Boat"
Rough-and-tumble play and tickles
Your own silly family games that your child loves
One of the great things about People Games is that you don't need any equipment. They can happen almost anywhere and can be adapted around the things your child loves.
How can People Games encourage my child to communicate?
When a favourite game happens in the same way again and again, your child begins to learn the routine and anticipate what happens next.
This predictability can create natural opportunities for interaction.
Because there isn't a toy competing for your child's attention, it can also be easier for them to focus on you. At the same time, it can be easier for you to notice some of the more subtle ways your child is trying to communicate.
And importantly, your child doesn't need to be using words to take part.
They might communicate that they want the game to continue by:
Looking towards you
Making a sound
Smiling or changing their facial expression
Moving their body
Reaching or gesturing
Using a word
All of these can be meaningful attempts to communicate.
Try adding a pause
Once your child knows and enjoys a game, try introducing a pause at an exciting or predictable moment.
For example, imagine you're singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat".
Sing the song together a few times so that the routine becomes familiar. Then, at a point when your child is expecting you to continue, pause and wait.
Watch your child carefully.
They might look at you, move their body, make a sound, gesture or use a word.
When they do, respond by continuing the game.
The important part isn't getting your child to say a particular word. It's helping them discover that:
"When I communicate, something happens."
Over time, you can create more of these little opportunities within familiar games.
Follow what your child enjoys
There isn't one People Game that works for every child.
Think about the kinds of movement, sounds and interactions your child already enjoys.
If they love running, try a chasing game. If they enjoy music, try nursery rhymes or songs with actions. If they enjoy physical movement, bouncing or movement-based games might be particularly motivating.
You can also invent your own games.
Often, the funny little routines that develop naturally between a parent and child become some of the best People Games because they are based around something that your child genuinely enjoys.
Remember: communication comes before words
It's easy to become focused on whether your child is saying words, particularly when you're worried about their speech and language development.
But communication starts long before talking.
Looking, gestures, sounds, facial expressions and body movements can all be ways your child communicates with you.
By noticing and responding to these attempts, you're showing your child that their communication is meaningful and creating more opportunities for enjoyable back-and-forth interaction.
Found this helpful? download your People Games Guide here to save and use at home.
Who Can I Speak to About My Child’s Talking?
Depending on where you live, you may be able to contact:
Your health visitor
Your GP
Your child’s nursery or early-years practitioner
Your local NHS speech and language therapy service
A qualified independent speech and language therapist
If you aren't sure if your child needs support have a look at this post. Always trust your instinct it's never too early to get support.
How SaplingSLT Can Help
I'm Suzie, a HCPC-registered Speech and Language Therapist. At SaplingSLT, I provide specialist online speech and language consultations for parents of preschool-aged children.
The information here is a great start but its the individualised plans that will make the big difference.
Therapy always starts with a detailed initial assessment of your child and then we work together to find a therapy approach that makes a difference.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for an individual assessment or medical advice. If you are concerned about your child’s hearing, development or loss of previously acquired skills, contact an appropriate healthcare professional.
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