If you’ve spent much time around toddlers, you may hear their moms saying phrases like “use your words.” Helping children learn to communicate effectively is important. Developing language and communication skills go hand in hand. Parents have the unique influence with their children to help lay the foundation for how well they communicate their needs.
Raising healthy kids who effectively communicate their needs is an intentional process. Developing healthy communication tools gives them an edge when they are school-age and communication become more sophisticated. Here are some important things to remember when helping kids communicate.
- Kids use non-verbal communication when they don’t have language
- Every emotion a child expresses is valuable
- Speak to children in a mature way
- Mediation is role modeling for conflict resolution
Non-verbal communication is a child’s primary way of communicating. When children don’t have the words for how they feel or what they want to say, they still get the message out loud and clear. Non-verbal language, including body language. Facial expressions, and behaviors all speak without saying a word.
As children develop, they learn more sophisticated ways to express themselves. In the meantime, they may use tantruming, hiding, hyper movement, and other behaviors to communicate. Don’t be quick to dismiss behaviors as defiance or uncooperative. Every expression a child makes is a way of communicating.
All emotions have value- Trying to calm children who are upset can be a challenge. Stopping behaviors as soon as possible is usually a primary focus for parents. It’s important to allow children to feel the full breadth of human emotions and learn to identify them and articulate them for healthy communication. Parents can help children identify their feelings and name them. This helps the child recognize their emotions over time and begin to regulate them on their own.
You don’t have to use baby talk- Children do not need to be spoken to in juvenile ways. Modifying your communication and using baby talk or slang isn’t an ideal way to teach healthy communication. Babies and toddlers begin to make sense of their world every time you speak to them. Using typical language, tone, and engagement helps them develop a healthy communication style.
Helping sort out problems creates independence- When children don’t understand how to resolve conflict, parents can come in and teach them. Helping children who are angry or bickering express themselves and seek resolution helps them adopt good conflict resolution skills that they can practice independently when they are more mature.
Raising healthy communicators is an intentional job. Putting in the effort to help children understand their feelings and communicate their needs in proper ways serves them throughout their lives. It can reduce many of the pitfalls that come when people are not self-aware or aware of their impact on others. You’ll be giving your children the upper hand thanks to your help.
