Silence. It’s not something parents and caregivers of children often get to enjoy, but parents can use quiet as a tool to help their children practice new communication skills. Speech-language pathologists often encourage parents to use “wait time,” or an intentional and expectant pause during a communication exchange, to give children extra time to process incoming language, to recognize that it is their turn to talk in a conversation, and to organize and express their thoughts.
Try using wait time in these situations with your young child who is just learning to talk or with older children experiencing language delays:
When your child is asking for something by pulling on you:
When your child is asking for something by pulling you, pointing, or making noise, first validate his attempt to communicate by saying “it looks like you want something!” Then wait quietly for a few seconds while looking at him expectantly before jumping in and giving him the words to say.
When you ask your child a question:
When you ask your child a question, count to 5 in your head before asking again, encouraging her to answer, or giving the answer yourself. Often a child does not answer immediately when they are processing the question or organizing a response, and when the adult tries to help too quickly during this process, it can lead to frustration and avoidance.
When trying to engage your child in conversation:
When trying to engage your child in conversation, make a comment and then pause silently for 2-3 seconds and wait for your child to respond before moving on. Be sure to look expectantly at your child while you wait to help him realize that it is his turn to speak and that you are interested in what he may want to share.
All of these reasons are understandable and many parents have these same habits and feelings. Try adding wait time into your interactions with your child, and your efforts may pay off in an increase in communication skills.
Do you have concerns about your child’s speech or language development?
Don't Delay:
Kid Connections Therapy in Severna Park offers an eight week virtual language enrichment program in which families learn at their own pace to support their young children’s language development.
Contact us at 410-274-0041 for more information about receiving an evaluation for speech therapy services.
By Jessica Krishnamoorthy; Speech Language Pathologist, Kid Connections Therapy