Communication skills are essential, because they’re what allow us to build relationships and verbalise our thoughts and needs. Lots of parents can tell what they’re children want to say before they’ve even had chance to say it, but there are things you can do to help them with their communication skills so that they are able to have meaningful conversations with people who don’t know them inside and out. Here are some tips from an English Language Tuition company to help you develop your child’s communication skills.

Have Conversations

This sounds like an obvious one, but it’s important to make time on a regular basis to chat to your child and ask them open-ended questions. These are questions that require more than a one-word answer. For instance, “Did you have a good day at nursery?” can be answered with a quick yes or no but asking “What did you get up to at nursery today?” will prompt your child to speak up a little more and practice putting their thoughts into cohesive sentences.

Be a Good Listener

Once your child learns to talk, there will be times when they won’t shut up. You may feel like putting in your earplugs but showing your child that you’re truly engaged in what they’re saying will help boost their communication skills. Nod, make eye contact, and respond when given the opportunity to give your child the confidence to continue putting their communication skills to the test.

Explore Body Language

Help your child understand that we don’t always need to use words to communicate how we feel. Your child will become a better communicator if they can read people and their body language. Perhaps you could do some role play to help your child understand what frowning, smiling, shrugging, or hiding your face could mean.

Label Emotions

By helping your child understand what their emotions actually are, it will be easier for them to communicate with you rather than bottle things up. It’s difficult for children to manage their emotions if they lack the language skills to explain how they’re feeling. So, if you notice that they’re particularly emotional one day, say something like “Why are you feeling so upset today? Has something happened?” or “If you’re feeling frustrated with your game, why don’t you take a break?”. The same applies to positive emotions, of course.

Promote Socialisation

Try and arrange regular playdates for your child so that they have the opportunity to communicate with other children. Practise makes perfect, so the more chances they have to talk to others, share, and take turns, the better they will become.