Becoming Your Child's Best Communication Partner
No one knows your child better than you do. You understand their quirks and needs, even before anyone else. You know when they're hungry, tired, or bored, it's almost like you can read their minds! For these reasons, we recognise the value parents have in influencing their child's communication journey.
You can be your child's "best communication partner", helping them overcome speech and communication hurdles every day. Through daily, small interactions, we can turn little wins into big breakthroughs!
This post discusses how parents like you can become the best communication partners. We will focus on establishing daily communication routines and shaping effective interactions. Additionally, we will explore how our clinicians help parents build confidence in becoming effective communication coaches.
Why Parents Make the Best Communication Coaches
Your involvement in your child's speech therapy is crucial to their progress. Parents help reinforce learning, boost their child's confidence, and provide clinicians with insights into their communication style and preferences.
For instance, a child with speech delay may communicate more when playing with their favourite toys than during storytime or mealtimes. While some children learn through play, others acquire new words during daily routines, such as brushing their teeth or cleaning up toys.
Children can build their vocabulary by singing familiar songs during these activities, as the rhythm makes them feel engaged. Parents notice these preferences and use these as opportunities to connect and coach their children.
Nothing beats a child's home environment
Home is where children feel safest. It's also where they learn and communicate most naturally, surrounded by comfort and familiarity. This is why we focus our speech therapies at home, during daily routines, and play.
Our therapies are inspired by our Parent Powered Communication Approach, where every parent is at the centre of their child's communication journey. Our clinicians equip parents with the knowledge and confidence to create a natural environment that fosters effective communication.
The Everyday Moments That Build Communication
Everyday routines and activities at home provide an opportunity to build your child's language skills. Here are some practical examples you can apply today:
Mealtime
Mealtimes are perfect for naturally interacting with your child. Involve them in preparing meals, allowing them to choose their preferred dish or dessert. During meals, inject moments of communication. Ask them what they think about the food and how it tastes, or ask them about their school or what interests them.
Getting dressed
Dressing your child for school or any activity is a great time to build their communication skills. Use gestures to guide them as they put on their coats or slip into their pyjamas. You may sing a song about how the right hand goes here and the left hand goes there while teaching them words and directions and having fun.
Bath time
Turn bath time into a great opportunity to learn new words and help your child express their feelings. Use toys, books, and music to introduce words such as "water," "soap," "scrub," and "bubbles." Let them enjoy the moment and allow them time to respond. You may also let them choose the toys and music next bath time.
Grocery shopping
The supermarket is a wonderland for kids, and grocery shopping is something they look forward to. You can use this opportunity to enrich your child's vocabulary by modelling words.
For example, you can turn grocery shopping into a game by giving them a list of items to find for you. Say the name of the grocery item as you put it in your cart, like "milk" or "tomatoes." Include descriptions of each item, like "The tomatoes are red" or "The milk is cold."
School drop-off
Riding in the car is a great time to introduce learning. Tell your child that they are the navigators for this trip, and they should let you know when to turn or where to park. Play "I spy with my little eye" with them to motivate them, or play a fun song and sing along.
Whether at home, running errands, or in the car, these activities are practical ways to incorporate speech therapy exercises into your child's daily routine.
From Listener to Language Leader: Shifting Your Mindset
As children respond to daily, consistent practices, parents must seize this opportunity to shape their communication actively.
Slowing down
Your child is picking up on your cues, starting to show interest, and communicating their needs, a huge win after many days of trying. But it's not the time to stop. Instead, it's time to slow down and give them time to initiate communication. It's all about making connections, not perfection.
For instance, during a car ride, a once timid child may ask you to play a guessing game or tell you what they want to wear while dressing up. You're not initiating, but allowing them to express themselves. These small moments are truly signs of amazing progress.
Observing
Take time to observe how your child reacts to different environments and people. Are they more comfortable and confident now? What improvements in your strategy might help in your child's progress? Observing these can give you valuable insights on how to help your child in the long term.
How First Words Together Helps You Feel Confident in This Role
Our clinicians prepare you for your incredible role as communication partners. We ensure you are confident in carrying out speech therapy activities by providing crucial knowledge and skills.
Goal-setting
We will help you create clear, realistic, and meaningful goals for your child. These goals will guide your therapy sessions and home support, ensuring everyone is aligned on what to do and when to do it.
Video feedback
To help us determine what's working well and what's not, we may ask you to record your child's interactions with you and the rest of the family. Video feedback is also a great tool to check your child's progress.
Tailored advice
We understand that each child and family are unique. Our tailored advice provides personalised guidance based on a child's communication needs, strengths, and daily routines. This ensures that the strategies we provide are practical, meaningful, and relevant to the child and their family.
You are not alone in this journey. You can reach out at any time with questions about your child's therapies. Our clinicians at First Words Together are here to support you, especially in times of doubt or emotional issues, and to celebrate progress together.
The Emotional Reward of Partnering in Your Child's Growth
There's an unexplainable feeling when your child finally makes eye contact or says what they want for the first time. The sound of their voice when they finally say "Mum" or "Dad" will remain a great win for every parent.
Here is an example of a parent win:
During a quiet afternoon at home, Mia sang her child's favourite song while folding laundry. To her surprise, her usually silent three-year-old suddenly chimed in with a "baa" to mimic the sound of sheep in Baa Baa Black Sheep. Mia's tears welled up in her eyes. It was the first time she had ever heard her child speak.
Your child's speech therapy is fulfilling when you're an active part of it.
Ready to Be That Partner? First Words Together Can Help
Are you ready to take the first step in your child's speech therapy but unsure about what to do? Do you want to improve your speech coaching capabilities?
Don't worry; you already have what it takes! With a little coaching from our expert clinicians, you will feel more confident and empowered to begin the process. Be your child's communication partner with First Words Together.
FAQs About Supporting Your Child's Communication
1. What does it mean to be a communication partner for your child?
To be a communication partner, you should actively support your child's development by combining speech therapy with routine tasks at home.
2. Do I need experience to help my child's speech?
Guidance from experts can help you become effective and confident in your child's speech therapies. Our clinicians can guide and prepare you to become effective communication partners.
3. What if my child gets frustrated or doesn't respond?
Setbacks are common, especially during the initial phase of therapy. The key is to take regular, consistent approaches to your child's daily tasks and activities at home.
4. Can First Words Together help if I'm unsure what to do?
Our clinicians are ready to support you and help you become more confident in your child's therapy.
5. How do I know if I'm doing the right things at home?
Progress may not be noticeable immediately, so it's best to observe and note your child's daily development. If you aim to help your child utter their first word, simple moments, such as maintaining eye contact or closely following an activity, are signs you're doing well.