{"id":4440,"date":"2019-01-29T07:38:48","date_gmt":"2019-01-28T23:38:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ec2-54-254-239-209.ap-southeast-1.compute.amazonaws.com\/?p=4440"},"modified":"2026-01-15T02:14:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T18:14:30","slug":"communicating-effectively-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/communicating-effectively-children\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Communicate Effectively with Your Children"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Children go through various development stages and are continuously learning and developing new skills. One of the very first skills developed is communication. The latter plays a central role in their everyday life and is crucial to ensuring healthy development. Parenting is a full-time job: your child is going to need all the help they can get from you \u2013 and other caregivers \u2013 to build valuable communication skills.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/communicating-effectively-children\/#Always_engage_in_positive_communication_as_it_contributes_to_strengthening_your_bonds_with_them\" >Always engage in positive communication as it contributes to strengthening your bonds with them.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/communicating-effectively-children\/#Give_them_time_to_express_themselves\" >Give them time to express themselves.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/communicating-effectively-children\/#Give_them_exposure\" >Give them exposure.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/communicating-effectively-children\/#Find_the_right_balance\" >Find the right balance.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/communicating-effectively-children\/#Treat_them_as_equal_communication_partners\" >Treat them as equal communication partners.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/communicating-effectively-children\/#Engage_in_active_listening\" >Engage in active listening.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/communicating-effectively-children\/#Make_sure_to_involve_your_domestic_helper\" >Make sure to involve your domestic helper.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The Best Guide to Homeschool your kids\" class=\"wp-image-6728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-345x230.jpg 345w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-440x294.jpg 440w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-570x380.jpg 570w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/alexander-dummer-UH-xs-FizTk-unsplash-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is what you should know to effectively support your children during this important phase:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Always_engage_in_positive_communication_as_it_contributes_to_strengthening_your_bonds_with_them\"><\/span>Always engage in positive communication as it contributes to strengthening your bonds with them. <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Positive communication is achieved through praises (obviously, only when they deserve them!), by encouraging them to share with you about how they feel, and engaging with them in interactive play \u2013 which in return will give you the opportunity to learn more about what they like and dislike.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Give_them_time_to_express_themselves\"><\/span>Give them time to express themselves. <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that unlike you, they are still going through various development stages and their communication skills are not as sharp as yours. They need a little bit more time to reflect on what they want to say and translate their thoughts into words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Give_them_exposure\"><\/span>Give them exposure. <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The more exposure to sounds and language structures they get, the more likely they are to assimilate new words and develop their communication skills. Effective ways to achieve this are talking and reading to them as often as possible. It is, however, recommended to limit their exposure to screens \u2013 such as TV, phones and tablets \u2013 as those can impact their behaviour.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_the_right_balance\"><\/span>Find the right balance. <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is fine to correct your child when they mispronounce a sound; however, keep in mind that over-correcting them can have counterproductive effects.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treat_them_as_equal_communication_partners\"><\/span>Treat them as equal communication partners. <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Give them space to share and respect speaking turns \u2013 make sure that they are done talking before you speak! Do not underestimate their abilities, especially when it comes to reflecting and sharing their thoughts.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Engage_in_active_listening\"><\/span>Engage in active listening. <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to give your child your full and undivided attention. It will definitely contribute to building a strong and healthy relationship between the two of you. Studies have shown that a child\u2019s environment can have a huge influence on their development. So, whenever you are with them, do your best to ensure that your mind is actually really with them! Your child needs attention and does notice this kind of things. Several studies have shown that children whose parents spend non-negligible amounts of time on their smartphones \u2013 or using other types of devices \u2013 instead of spending actual time interacting often get the feeling that they are being ignored. Research has shown that parental distraction can negatively impact children\u2019s behavior.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Make_sure_to_involve_your_domestic_helper\"><\/span>Make sure to involve your domestic helper. <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your domestic helper is spending a lot of time with your children \u2013 don\u2019t forget that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-taking-good-care-children\/\">your domestic helper gets to interac<\/a><a aria-label=\"t (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-taking-good-care-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">t<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-taking-good-care-children\/\"> with the kids<\/a> on a daily basis and as such, it is important to engage her. First things first, start by explaining to her how crucial her role is in the development of your child. Make sure that she understands how you want her to interact and communicate with your children; that is why it is important that you take some time to brief her on your expectations and hold regular review meetings to track your child\u2019s progress.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Do you have other tips to effectively communicate with your child? Please share them below!<\/em><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Children go through various development stages and are continuously learning and developing new skills. One of the very first skills developed is communication. The latter plays a central role in their everyday life and is crucial to ensuring healthy development. Parenting is a full-time job: your child is going to need all the help they [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":4445,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"A parent\u2019s guide to building strong communication skills in children through patience, listening, daily interaction, and caregiver involvement.","title":"How to Communicate Effectively with Your Children - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4440","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-parenting"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Mom-and-son.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4440","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4440"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4440\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14608,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4440\/revisions\/14608"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4440"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4440"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4440"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}