Key talking tips for any age
What children learn from your face and why facing your child makes a difference
From the moment babies start to make eye , face-to-face time is essential to their development.
Mini conversations and homemade puppets - encouraging back and forth chat with your child
Even if they aren't yet talking, your child is starting to learn the back and forth patterns of conversations.
Responding to your little one - Letting them know you're listening
Responding whenever your child makes a sound or gesture helps them know you are listening and their attempts to communicate are important.
Tuning into your child's interests - Talking about toys
During playtime, noticing your child's interests opens plenty of talking opportunities.
Follow their lead - Chatting through a walk
As your baby or child starts to talk about or point at things they're interested in, it's a perfect opportunity to let them take the lead!
Expansion - Adding to children's words
Expansion is when you repeat what children say back to them, adding phrases and details around the words they use.
Recasting - Helping children to get words right
As your child begins to say the odd word or phrase, it's very likely they'll be making a few mistakes along the way. But what's the best way to help them get their words right?
Decontextualising - Talking about the past
Decontextualising is the ability to communicate about things outside of the here and now - it's a key skill for children to develop.
Phonological awareness - the importance of rhymes
Rhyme is key to helping build an understanding of different word sounds.
Better Health - Start for Life
Free, trusted NHS advice and guidance to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
How to connect with your child's way of communicating
How to help your child communicate
Tips and advice to encourage communication with your child, with or without words.
