Help your child communicate effectively

Dr. Maria Montessori spoke about how no adult exists who was not made by the children they once were. The importance of teaching new skills to children from an early age, when they are still in a developing phase, is significant. Effective communication is one such crucial primary skill that kids would do well to develop as young children and hone into adulthood. 

Here are some tricks you can use as a parent to kick-start sharpening your child's communication skills.

Tips to help your child become an effective communicator

Be a role model

Have you noticed your child often mimicking your style or behavior? If yes, you might also know they learn to communicate by observing you. Children could form specific views and opinions early by interacting with their parents. 

Similarly, kids develop strong communication skills when you communicate openly and effectively with them. It could be a confidence booster when they are heard and understood, which in turn helps them speak, share, and communicate freely.

Encourage conversations, be a good listener

Motivate your child to start conversations. For example, as soon as you pick your child up from school, ask them how their day was. Actively listen when they respond, leading them to talk more by being curious about their day. Ask questions like, 'Which part of the day did you enjoy most?' Your child will start noticing how you handle conversations, which they mimic. 

Express ideas 

Communication is never a one-way street; people must all participate equally. In a conversation, once your child finishes speaking, express your feelings. For instance, if your child tells you how much they enjoyed playing with their friend, you could share your feelings about it; for example, say, 'I am glad you enjoyed playing with your friends! What do you have planned next week?' Conversations like this would also teach children how to take turns when speaking--crucial for effective communication.

Maintain eye contact

Maintaining eye contact throughout a conversation could show your child you are interested and listening. If you are on your phone or distracted, it could further discourage your child from communicating. 

Read regularly 

Read aloud to your child regularly and encourage them to read independently. If you can, set aside time daily to read with your child. Reading will help children grasp new vocabulary and phrases, which could help them develop their language, further enriching their communication skills. Research shows that reading children's story books makes kids more empathetic, enabling them to experience the emotions the author has put down in their work.

Strong communication skills benefit your kids in multiple ways^[3]. It helps them easily exchange ideas in school, for example. A child's active participation in class might even boost their self-esteem. It could also teach them to be more social and build healthy relationships. Communication skills are not just about communicating efficiently but politely, too. 

There are many advantages to children being good communicators; it makes them confident and assertive, develops creativity, expands vocabulary, and even strengthens family ties.

At byjuslearning.com, we provide curriculum-aligned, grade-level learning experiences for kids between ages 4 to 8, helping them build on skills they learn in school. 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is NOT medical advice and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, provide medical or behavioral advice, treat, prevent, or cure any disease, condition, or behavior. You should consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your child’s development to make a medical diagnosis, determine a treatment for a medical condition, or obtain other related advice.

Source

1: How Could Children's Storybooks Promote Empathy? A Conceptual Framework Based on Developmental Psychology and Literary Theory
 - PMC by Natalia Kucirkova