As a parent, you are constantly wondering how to help your child develop the knowledge and skills they need for a successful life. That’s a big undertaking.

But you got this!

Let’s start with one of the most important skills you can teach your child – communication. Teaching communication skills for kids should start at a young age and continue through their young adulthood.

Need tips? Read below on how you can teach good communication skills for kids.

Mom sitting with two children at a table

Be a Good Listener

Part of encouraging your child to communicate is to be a good listener. Show them that you are paying attention by devoting your time to the conversation rather than multitasking.

Ask follow-up questions when your child tells a story. Show that you are interested in what they are saying and want to learn more. 

Role Play

You can make communication development fun by playing communication skills games for kids. Try starting with basic role-playing games. 

For example, you can ask your child to pretend to be a teacher while you pretend to be a student. They will start to think about proper communication style in this particular situation. Then, switch roles and practice again.

You can play the same type of communication games to mimic real-life situations your child may encounter. Have fun with it and try to avoid judgement or critique. Instead, ask your child why he or she said something, or whether they think that is what the person would say in that situation.

Talk About Body Language

Learning about communication also means learning about body language. Your child may struggle with the idea that one’s words and one’s body language are equally important.

Even basic mental health communication for kids relies on body language like eye contact and body position. You can talk to your child about how he or she can express themselves with body language. Also, you can teach them how to read body language or their peers.

Resources to Build Communication Skills for Kids

If you want to support your child’s skills further, consider apps for communication skills for kids or board games for kids communication. You can make it exciting for them to learn a new skill.

Using apps and games will also reinforce what you are teaching them on a regular basis. You can also find exceptional parenting resources, advice, and practical tips online.

Being a parent isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Use online resources or local parenting groups for support.

Raising a Communicative Child

Communication skills for kids are invaluable to their development. As a parent, you can support them as they learn to speak clearly and politely with peers and adults.

Make conversation a priority in your house and take opportunities to play communication games like the ones mentioned above. And don’t forget to be a good listener!

Want more parenting advice? Take a look at our other parenting articles!