How To Talk To Children
There are times when parents, when talking to their children, change their tone of voice. Even when children are a little older, they use that childlike tone of voice to talk to them. In fact, you don’t need to use this way of speaking to connect with your kids. So, next, we’ll tell you how to talk to children.
One must always take into account the types of messages or words they are capable of processing. Talking to a 12-year-old is not the same as talking to a 7-year-old or a 4-year-old. It’s important to keep this in mind to know how to talk to children at any given time.
Talking to children: why is it better to talk more?
Talking to your baby or toddler can help them develop their language and communication. The more you talk to your toddler, the better. This is because parents who talk a lot to their children use many different sounds and words.
When children hear a greater amount and variety of words, they have a better understanding of the language. It also increases the number and variety of words they understand and use. It’s not just about having better language skills. Talking to babies helps their brains develop and perform better in school when they’re older.
What type of conversation is suitable for babies and young children?
Talking to young children doesn’t have to be a big issue. You can talk to your child about what you are doing, the meals you are preparing, or whatever is going on around you. For example, you are walking with your child and he points to a tree. You might say, “It’s a pretty big tree, isn’t it? I wonder what kinds of animals live in it. Maybe a squirrel?”
How much should we talk to young children?
Any conversation is good for your baby or toddler, so try to talk as much as you can throughout the day. You don’t need to create a special moment for this.
Babies and toddlers also enjoy quiet times, so if your child stops responding and starts looking tired, restless, or moody, he may prefer another time of day to talk.
Your child’s temperament can also affect how often he wants to communicate with you. Some babies and toddlers are naturally more outgoing while others are more relaxed. And this is something that must be respected.
When to start talking to babies?
As soon as possible! In fact, from birth, your baby absorbs a great deal of information about words and speech just by hearing and seeing you speak. For starters, conversations with your baby can seem one-sided.
However, even if your baby cannot yet express himself in words, he will be listening to you and will try to join in the conversation. He will use crying, eye contact and listening to communicate. Later, he will smile, laugh, make more sounds and move his body to try to talk to you.
If you pay attention while you’re talking, you’ll notice this baby’s early conversation and communication. By communicating with your child at all times and in a warm and loving way, you will be creating and sharing experiences with them. This strengthens your relationship with your child and helps them learn more about the world at the same time.
Tips for talking to babies and toddlers
It may seem strange to you to talk to a baby or toddler who doesn’t talk much, but keep going anyway. The conversations and activities we’ll show you below are good for developing your child’s language skills.
tune your child
Reduce distractions. Turn off the TV, computer or whatever helps you to be “present” to talk to your child. Furthermore:
- Note what your child’s interests are. Ask questions or comments and allow time for him to respond.
- As your toddler learns to speak, give him time to find the words to express his ideas and really listen while he is speaking. For example, try not to finish sentences for him and make sure he finishes before starting to speak. This will send your child the message that what he has to say is important.
- Use natural words. Your child will complete a few breaks when developing language. This will help you to speak and listen in a conversation.
show interest
Talk to your child about the things he cares about, even if you don’t like them very much. Furthermore:
- Talk about an experience you shared.
- Be very expressive to make the conversation more interesting and engaging. What you say doesn’t matter as much as how you talk about it.
- If you use complex words, explain them and expand them using several descriptive words. For example: “Let’s go to the pediatrician, who is a special doctor who knows everything about babies and children” .
Read, tell stories, sing songs and rhyme
Read books and tell your baby stories from birth every day if you can. After a few weeks, your child will know that reading together is a special time for both of them. Furthermore:
- Talk about photos seen in books.
- Help your child learn that books and reading are fun. The ideal is to have a special place for reading at home.
- Sing songs and rhymes anytime. Your baby and toddlers will love the rhythm of the words and the tone of your voice.
Finally, we hope that you will soon put these tips for talking to children into practice. They will help you strengthen your bond and it will be a wonderful experience for both of you!
