What can I do as a parent?
This is for all children and parents – to promote good speaking and listening
What can I do?
Over the last two years you have seen so many changes watching your child grow and develop. Their brain is now approximately 80 % that of an adult! But this is still just the beginning.
Two is the optimum age for a child’s social development to begin to flourish. Therefore now is a good time to think about how you will support them to continue to grow and develop.
Providing different opportunities for new or routine experiences will really help develop their confidence, from going to the park or the farm or to visit a castle, to a simple trip to the supermarket.
Every experience is important to your child’s development and will continue to build their brain and develop their language skills.
Thinking about ways to encourage speech and language development may include:
- Saying your child’s name when you speak to them
- Focus on them, giving them your full attention
- Show an interest in what they are playing with
- Avoid dummies and use a free flow or open beaker
- Limit screen time
- Chat about all the things you are doing or places you have been
- Reading with your child
- Telling stories
- Playing together
- Sing nursery rhymes
In addition, think about the self-help skills which will help your child prepare for nursery, such as getting dressed, eating their own lunch and toilet training.
More information
ActivitiesFamily HubsLibrary ServicesLearning in the homeChildcare
costs2 year integrated review
Staffordshire County Council website: Hungry Little Minds
Institute of Health Visiting website: Top Tips for Parents
YouTube: Should I use a dummy?