What do I actually say to my child?

You may be a seasoned parent, a grandparent, practitioner or someone totally new to parenthood and all things child related. 

Have no fear!

The truth is, no matter where you are on your journey, the guidance is constantly updating and changing and most of us feel like we’re winging our way the through life, let alone parenthood! 

Whilst every area of learning and development is important, a key component is how children communicate and most importantly, how WE communicate with them. 

If they’re unable to communicate effectively, whether through spoken words, sign language, PECS or any other communication tool, it will most definitely hinder their progress at some point or other  

What can we do as the adults who are supporting these wondrous little humans on their magical journey?

Well, firstly, TALK and talk A LOT! To them, with them and around them. I cannot stress enough how important it is to talk to children, and even before they have even been born. The University of Washington cited a study that said: 

‘Sensory and brain mechanisms for hearing are developed at 30 weeks of gestational age, and the new study shows that unborn babies are listening to their mothers talk during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy.’

Amazing and beautiful all at once. 

So let’s talk about vocabulary. Think about how many children are obsessed with dinosaurs. So many! Dinosaurs have such incredibly long names, children know them! However, even if they can’t name them, whether there are speech delays, or additional needs, talk to them and give them the vocabulary anyway.

I treat this as a sort of bank. Deposit the vocabulary in the bank and even if they don’t withdraw those words straight away, they’re in the bank, ready for when they are. 

As well as this, we all know many children who have repeated a few unsavoury words or two in their time. Don’t stress it, it happens! They just withdrew them from that little bank they were deposited in! Just keep that bank of vocabulary in mind when having your own conversations. They are ALWAYS listening!  

Children are such incredible little sponges and whilst each one is different and unique, we as adults can do so much to support them to be the best little versions of themselves as they continue to grow. 

Here at You Be You, we are here to help you do just that, with love, kindness and zero judgement. Always.