Parent Tips

Ideas to support communication

These strategies are commonly used to support early speech and language development and can be adapted to suit your child and family routines. They focus on creating opportunities for communication without pressure or expectation.

• Get down to your child’s level
  Being face to face can help communication feel more connected and less rushed.

• Follow your child’s interests
  Talking about what your child is already focused on is more effective than introducing something new.

• Comment on what your child is doing
  Describing what’s happening can support understanding without adding pressure.

• Offer simple choices
  Giving a choice between two items — for example, apple or orange — can make it easier for children to respond.

• Use more comments than questions
  Fewer questions can help keep communication relaxed and unpressured.

• Sing together
  Songs naturally repeat words and rhythms, which many children find easier to engage with.

• Stress the important word
  Gently emphasising a key word can help it stand out without needing explanation.

• Use the same words in everyday routines
  Hearing familiar words regularly helps build understanding and confidence.

• Pause and wait
  Allowing extra time to respond gives space for communication to happen.

• Repeat words often
  Repetition helps children become familiar with language and feel secure.

How books can support communication

Sharing books together can create natural opportunities to support speech and language development without expectation.

Looking at pictures, repeating the same word, or pausing at familiar moments can invite children to join in in their own way.

Books don’t need to be read from beginning to end. It’s fine to skip pages, focus on one picture, or read the same story many times.

A Reminder

There is no single “right” way to support communication.

There are no targets to meet and no need to rush progress.

Shared moments, familiar routines, and a calm environment all help create space for communication to grow.

You're not alone

Supporting a child who is taking longer to find their voice can sometimes feel isolating.

Many parents are navigating similar questions about speech, communication, and development.

Being present, attentive, and responsive already plays an important role in supporting your child’s communication journey. Gentle shared reading can help nurture that connection — the foundation of The Remmie Series.