Communication is of crucial importance in a child’s development. Anyone who works or lives with small children knows this. If you are, however, still wondering why is verbal communication important in childcare, we will try to give you the best explanation possible about this here.
From a young age, kids have the need to express themselves. At first, we notice it with babies and with nonverbal communication in toddlers. Later, children develop their verbal skills also, and in that way, they are communicating their needs.
Not only do children need to communicate their needs, but they also need to learn to listen; a vital ingredient of communication. The ability to communicate and listen will improve their other skills. They will be more independent and perfectly efficient for managing themselves in the real world.
Verbal Communication In Childcare – Description, And Importance
Through sounds (crying, cooing, and similar) kids are starting their communication with the world. Also, nonverbal communication is important since right after cues, they are using facial expressions (grimacing, smiling, and eye contact). It is very important to pay attention to children’s facial expressions while they are still not able to speak.
There is a broad spectrum of reasons why communication is important for children. That way they are communicating their needs and requests. Also, they are expressing their emotions in both positive and negative manners. It is a very interesting period when children learn how to speak – both for you and for them.
Using language prepares children for social interactions. Thus, through learning how to use a language, children are also learning about social rules and skills. Skills that they obtain by observing and participating in social interactions enable children to communicate with others in more complex manners.
The Most Popular Methods Used By Parents and Caretakers In Order To Improve Verbal Communication In Children
Basically, it is all about planning. Of course, you can be spontaneous, but by planning experiences with the goal of building and maintaining conversational and social skills, caretakers and parents can promote positive communication and interaction.
Also, when the children are verbally skilled, it will help them successfully communicate their wants and needs. Besides wants and needs, there is a nurturing aspect too. By giving children nurturing way of communication they will continue to establish nurturing relationships with their peers.
Here are the most popular and widely used ways to emphasize verbal communication in childcare:
- Validate and recognize their feelings
- Make sure to read together
- Engage them in daily routines conversation
Validate And Recognize Children’s Feelings
Although we are speaking of children here, it is important to mention that the same rule goes for adults too. Just remember the last time you were judged and criticized. Of course, it was not a pleasant experience and you would not want to go through all that again. Now, imagine a child, that is a hundred times more sensitive and self-aware. It is really simple as that – children will share their ideas more if you create a safe environment and judge-free zone.
In addition to validating and recognizing, you need to be specific and direct. Only if you be direct with your children they will figure out that you indeed are respecting them and their experience. For example, if they do something bad – you can tell them that you are mad, but you still love them. They just need to think about the consequences of their actions.
As an adult, you have probably heard about this “naming the emotion process”. Nowadays, the situation has changed and people are willing to talk about their feelings more. Still, like “in the old days”, there are still some people having difficulties talking about their emotions and expressing themselves.
That is why it is important to provide the words for children’s experiences. For example, “You’re sad because your friend did not invite you to play outside.” Just don’t forget that we should not make any feeling good or bad. They simply exist and we should be able to acknowledge them and accept them.
Make Sure To Read Together
You have probably also loved a good story when you were a child. Warm cocoa or tee and cuddling together are some awesome moments that you will share with your children, especially during wintertime. So, is there anything better than reading a book together while cuddling? Some experts even say that it will boost children’s confidence and sense of belonging.
If the baby is older, you should encourage your older baby to turn the pages and point to everything that he sees and considers interesting. The ideal exercise is to discuss the characters from the book. You can do that with toddlers and small children. This is also a great exercise for picking up social cues. When they think about how characters develop, think and feel, their brain activity will also increase. That is why this activity is so awesome. It works on so many skills at once.
Besides picking up social cues and using their brains for thinking about certain character developments, a child will also achieve literary and language knowledge. The important fact however will be spending time with your children and investing yourself in their learning opportunities and challenges. They will remember that in their own way and they will feel appreciated.
Engage Them In The Everyday Routine Conversation
Even if you think that routine will sound boring to them, surprisingly they will love it. I suppose the main reason is that they will file like adults. They will feel like they are part of something important. They will feel appreciated and valuable.
In addition to being appreciated, talking about daily routines will help them connect words with actions and objects. “I’m brushing my hair. I’m holding my brush and going through my hair up and down.” Talking about what you’re doing while you are doing it will make them think and they will memorize the activity next time when it happens. Also, they will know, what they need to do when it comes the time for their routine.
When the toddler is verbal, things go much easier. Also, it is not only about being easy but you will also have fun and thus create a stronger bond between you and your child. It does not have to be a must, but you can make it a sort of a fun activity if you are sharing your day with them on a daily basis. Encourage your children to share their day with you and to listen to you about yours.
Finally, the most important thing here is that the communication with and around children needs to be positive and reassuring. Our choice of words, our body language, and our tone will be key factors for the child’s successful development. Make sure to use positive language and encourage your children while they speak. It will boost their self-esteem strengthen their identity.
