Talk Frequently to Your Child
Ever find yourself talking to your kid about the existential crisis of mismatched socks, or debating with a three-year-old about whether the moon is made of cheese? Congratulations, you’re already doing the thing! If you ever wished you had an audience for your internal monologue, your tiny human is ready and (mostly) willing—bonus points if you narrate your coffee-making process like it’s a National Geographic special.
Talking to your child like they’re your tiny podcast co-host actually turbo-charges their brain—neural connections are firing like popcorn in a microwave. It boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and social skills, and helps them feel secure and engaged (even if your monologue is about why you can’t find your keys again). For parents, it’s a sneaky way to feel connected and maybe, just maybe, to process your own day out loud.
How to do it
-
Narrate your actions as you go, even if they seem mundane. Children enjoy hearing a play-by-play of what’s happening.
-
Ask open-ended questions to encourage thinking and conversation. For example, try asking, “What do you think will happen if we mix these colors?”
-
Give your child plenty of time to respond. This could be a word, a babble, or even just a thoughtful pause. Waiting shows you value their input.
-
Use real words when speaking. There’s no need to simplify your language—children absorb vocabulary quickly and benefit from hearing proper words.
-
Turn the activity into a game. Use silly voices, sound effects, and dramatic pauses to make the experience more engaging and fun.
Tips:
- Be patient and let your child lead the conversation when possible.
- Keep the atmosphere playful and relaxed.
- Celebrate all attempts at communication, no matter how small.
