Children learn communication from more than the instructions adults give them. They also absorb how family members listen, handle interruptions, express frustration, repair misunderstandings, and respond when someone needs more time. That makes modeling communication skills at home one of the most practical ways to support a child’s development. No Continue Reading

A quiet child may have plenty to say while needing more time, familiarity, or safety before saying it. Building communication confidence in quiet children begins with recognizing this difference: confidence is not measured by how quickly, loudly, or publicly a child speaks. Adults can help by creating comfortable openings for Continue Reading

A child should not have to produce a perfect word before receiving help, comfort, food, or a break. Helping children communicate needs begins by recognizing that a request can arrive through speech, gestures, signs, pictures, facial expressions, sounds, or a communication device. Adults can make those requests easier by noticing Continue Reading

Hand gestures can help children connect words with meaning. See evidence-based ways parents can use movement during play, reading, and bilingual talk.