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One of the best things you can do if you want to encourage your child to talk is give them the time and space they need in a conversation.
There are lots of ways you can show them that you're listening and interested in what they have to say, especially during playtime!
Mum 1: How would you like to play with them today?
Child 1: This the baby T-Rex.
Mum 1: This the baby T-Rex and you're my mummy T-Rex.
SHOW THEM YOU ARE LISTENING BY GIVING THEM TIME TO TALK
Mum 1: I'm going to follow you?
Child 1: I need to bring this to Auntie Eileen's zoo.
Mum 1: Oh, you want to show Auntie Eileen?
Child 1: Yeah.
Mum 1: We can sort that out.
Mum 1: Where does he live?
REMEMBER TO WATCH AND WAIT
Child 1: Umm, in the… jungle.
Mum 1: In the jungle!
RESPOND TO THEIR CHAT AND LET THEM LEAD THE CONVERSATION
Child 2: I'm not finished!
Mum 2: You're not finished?
Child 2: No, Obie cooking.
Mum 2: Okay, Obie cooking then.
ASK OPEN QUESTIONS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO TALK IN LONGER SENTENCES
Mum 1: So what noise does this one make?
Child 1: Quiet!
Mum 1: Why is it quiet?
Child 1: Because it's little.
Mum 1: Because it's little? Okay.
Mum 1: Can you be louder? I think you can be louder.
Child 1: ROAR!
Mum 1: Woah!
Why is chatting during play time important?
Playtime is the perfect opportunity for your child to show you their interests - whether it's their favourite animal, or an activity that they enjoy in the moment, like teatime.
Toys are a great conversation starter! Your child is more likely to enjoy talking about something they love and that holds their attention.
It's easy to follow your child's attention when they're playing!
What are the benefits of waiting, listening and following your child's lead in a conversation?
Promoting listening skills
When you tune into what your child is interested in and chat about it, they are more likely to listen and learn because you're talking about something they're interested in.
Linking ideas and learning words
When you can see your child is paying attention to something, perhaps looking or pointing, say the name of that object and you'll help them to link objects and words together.
At playtime, this could be as simple as knowing what their favourite toys are called, but eventually they might understand that their teddy has 'eyes', 'ears' and a 'nose'.
Feeling understood and listened to
Talking about what your child likes or is paying attention to helps them to understand that their thoughts and actions matter.
Simply by responding to them, you're showing them that their attempts at communication are meaningful.
More easy ways to chat during playtime
