Teaching Communication to Kids: Practical Parenting Tips for Better Connections

Parenting: Science-Based Family Resources with Amelia Taylor

Parenting: Science-Based Family Resources is a podcast dedicated to providing valuable parenting advice and tips for families of all shapes and sizes. With a focus on child development and raising children in a diverse world, our episodes are packed with research-backed insights and practical suggestions. Whether you are a standard nuclear family, a gay couple, or raising adopted children, this podcast offers something for everyone. Join us as we explore inclusive parenting strategies and share resources designed to help families thrive together. Tune in for engaging discussions that support your journey in parenting with confidence and care.

Helping Your Kids Speak Up: Simple Ways to Teach Communication

You know, one of the biggest things parents often ask me about is how to get their kids to open up and communicate better. It’s not just about talking, but really knowing how to express feelings, listen, and connect with others. Teaching communication to kids might sound like a massive task, but it’s honestly one of the most rewarding parts of raising children—and it can be a lot of fun too.

So, let's chat about some practical parenting advice that's easy to try out at home. Whether you have a toddler struggling with words or a tween who prefers to shut down, these tips will help you nurture confident, empathetic communicators.

Start with Listening (For Real!)

One of the foundational pieces of good communication is listening—and I don’t just mean nodding while your kid talks. It’s about creating space where your child feels genuinely heard. When your child tells you about their day or a random thought, give them your full attention. Stop, look them in the eyes, respond with curiosity, and avoid interrupting. This encourages them to keep sharing.

For example, instead of asking, "Did you have a good day?" which might get a quick "yes" or "no," try something like, "What was the best thing that happened at school today?" It opens up conversation and gives your child room to describe feelings or events.

Use Stories and Play

Kids understand the world through stories and play. You can use these moments as parenting tips to promote communication skills. Storytelling—whether reading picture books or making up your own tales—helps children learn vocabulary and the art of expressing ideas sequentially.

Playing pretend games where your child acts out different emotions or situations can also teach them new ways to explain how they feel or what they want. It’s also a great opportunity to model healthy communication by playing characters together, showing kindness, sharing, or even resolving conflicts.

Encourage Emotional Vocabulary

Teaching children to name their feelings is crucial for child development. When kids can say, "I’m frustrated," or "I feel sad," instead of crying or acting out, they develop better coping skills and relationships. Use everyday moments to introduce new words:

• “You look upset, is that because you’re disappointed about the game?”
• “When you say you’re mad, can you tell me what made you feel that way?”

As they grow, kids will become more comfortable using these words naturally.

Model What You Want to See

This is classic but often overlooked. Kids learn by watching us, so showing how to communicate clearly and respectfully is key. Share your own feelings with your children in ways they can understand—like saying, "I’m feeling tired after a long day, so I need a little quiet time." When you mess up or misunderstand, openly apologize and fix it. This teaches humility and problem-solving.

Create Rituals for Sharing

Regular family traditions where everyone checks in build a sense of safety in expressing thoughts. It can be a quick “highs and lows” at dinner, bedtime stories with conversations, or even weekend walks where screens are off and talking is the focus. These moments become natural opportunities to practice communication.

Be Patient and Celebrate Effort

Communication skills don’t develop overnight. Celebrate the small wins, like when your child tries to say a new feeling or asks a question instead of shutting down. Encouragement goes a long way in raising children who want to keep connecting.

Need More Help? Check Out Courses on Parenting

If you’re looking for more structured family resources that support inclusive parenting and child development, there are some fantastic Courses on Parenting that provide easy-to-follow techniques and in-depth advice. These courses can walk you through everything—from fostering communication to managing emotional ups and downs.

Explore Courses Now! Head over to https://courses.parentsgroup.org to find tools tailored for busy parents who want to foster deeper connections with their kids.

Raising children who communicate confidently isn’t about lectures or perfection—it’s about patience, listening, and practicing every day in loving ways. I promise, you’ll see beautiful changes over time!

Explore Dozens of Parenting Courses Online Become the Best Parent with Science-Backed Courses. Enroll Now! link Start Learning Today