Talking to your children makes a difference. How often you communicate with your child, and the way you interact with your child will make a difference to their overall development. It will also spark the love of language and learning. But talking to kids is not quite the same as talking to adults.
As adults we have learned to elicit meaning where little information is provided.
For example, asked a closed question like “Did you go to the fair?” will probably result in more than a yes/no answer. Ask the same question of a child and details are unlikely: they answer what you ask. The kind of response you get mostly depends on you, not the child.
One of the most important tools you have is making eye contact with the child. That’s the best way to let him know you are interested in him: face to face. This helps him know that you are both in the conversation.
Another good idea is to let your child take the lead. Talk about what interests her, and give her the time to say what they have to say. Pause and listen and don’t do all the talking. This will confirm that you value what she has to say, whatever the age.
To get good information and develop a conversation, ask open-ended questions. These will generate narrative answers rather than a simple yes or no. You might say “Tell me about the fair,” or “What animals did you see there?”
Whether we realize it or not, children understand body language and non-verbal communication more than we think. Gesturing, pointing, facial expressions and your tone all help him understand your words.
Even with young children, use simple but complete sentences. ‘Baby talk’ may feel cute but proper grammar helps children to figure out what the words mean and how they are used together.
One of the best things you can do to help a child develop their language skills is to talk about what you are doing. Talk about what you see on your walk to the grocery store or while waiting for an appointment. What do they see and think about their environment? These are perfect times for learning, and for sharing with you.
Effective verbal communication with your child can be stymied by poor hearing. Extended periods of poor or no hearing can impact a child’s overall development. Good hearing is important for the development of language, social and emotional growth and thinking and academic skills.
Does your child have a hearing problem? How do you know? Early identification and intervention make a difference. Newborn hearing screenings are offered free to all babies born in BC through the BC Early Hearing Program and your local health unit. And because hearing loss can happen after the newborn period, have his hearing rechecked if you have any concerns. Hearing screenings for children are offered free of charge at your local health unit.
Once a child is engaged in a conversation, you will be amazed at what you can learn. Children are really quite interesting after all. Give it a try — today.
Speech and Language programs in your community for children 0-5:
Sunshine Coast – 604-885-5164
Powell River – 604-485-3310
Hearing Screenings and Audiology services for children 0 – school age:
Sunshine Coast – 604-885-5615
Powell River – 604-485-3310
Helpful websites: Speech and Language Resources for Children 0-5 www.vch.ca
BC Health Files on Hearing in Children: www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile71b.stm and www.healthlinkbc.ca?healthfiles/hfile71a.stm.
Editor’s note: Dr. Paul Martiquet is the medical health officer for rural Vancouver Coastal Health including Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
