Understanding Your Child’s Communication Style Through It Takes Two to Talk
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we know that every child communicates in their own unique way. Recognising and supporting your child’s communication style is key to boosting their language development. The Hanen Program: It Takes Two to Talk offers parents valuable insights and strategies to identify and nurture their child’s communication skills. In this blog, we’ll dive into how understanding your child’s communication style can enhance language growth and how the It Takes Two to Talk program supports this journey.
The Importance of Understanding Communication Styles
Children communicate in different ways. Understanding their style can make a big difference in how you support their language development. Some children are more verbal, while others rely more on gestures, facial expressions, or sounds. By recognising your child’s communication style, you can tailor your interactions to better suit their needs.
Key Communication Styles
1. The Observer
Characteristics:
- Prefers watching and listening before joining in.
- Takes time to process what’s happening.
- May speak less but understands a lot.
How to Support the Observer:
- Be Patient: Give your child time to watch and process before expecting them to respond.
- Encourage Participation: Gently invite them to join in, offering chances to imitate or engage in activities they enjoy.
- Model Language: Talk about what you’re doing using clear, simple language. This helps them connect words with actions.
2. The Doer
Characteristics:
- Always on the move and active.
- Communicates more through actions than words.
- Loves hands-on activities.
How to Support the Doer:
- Use Movement: Incorporate movement into language learning, such as singing action songs or playing games with simple instructions.
- Follow Their Lead: Let your child choose activities and introduce new words as they play.
- Play Together: Combine language learning with their favourite toys and activities.
3. The Talker
Characteristics:
- Loves to talk and express themselves.
- Has a growing vocabulary for their age.
- Enjoys conversations and storytelling.
How to Support the Talker:
- Expand Vocabulary: Introduce new words during conversations to challenge them.
- Encourage Stories: Ask them to share stories about their day or make up imaginative tales.
- Open-Ended Questions: Use questions that require more than yes/no answers to stimulate longer conversations.
4. The Reluctant Speaker
Characteristics:
- May be shy or hesitant to speak.
- Often uses non-verbal cues like gestures or pointing.
- Needs more encouragement to use words.
How to Support the Reluctant Speaker:
- Create Comfort: Make sure your child feels safe and relaxed when communicating.
- Praise Their Efforts: Encourage any use of words with positive reinforcement.
- Model and Wait: Talk about what you’re doing and then give them space to respond in their own time.
How It Takes Two to Talk Helps
The Hanen Program: It Takes Two to Talk is designed to help parents understand and support their child’s communication style. It provides simple, practical strategies that fit into daily routines, making language learning feel natural and fun.
Recognising Communication Styles
Through It Takes Two to Talk, parents learn to spot their child’s communication style by observing their behaviour. This awareness helps you better support your child by tailoring your approach to meet their needs.
Personalised Strategies
The program offers targeted strategies for each communication style. Whether your child is an Observer, Doer, Talker, or Reluctant Speaker, It Takes Two to Talk gives you the tools to boost their language development.
Building Stronger Connections
By adapting to your child’s communication style, you’ll build stronger connections. This creates a supportive environment where your child feels understood, encouraging them to communicate more.
Real-Life Impact
Many parents have seen real improvements in their child’s communication after joining the It Takes Two to Talk program. Here are a couple of examples:
Sarah, Mother of Emily:
“Emily is more of an observer. The program taught us to be patient and give her time to join in. Now, she’s more confident and willing to communicate.”
Lisa, Mother of Noah:
“Noah is always on the go, so we combined language learning with his active play. The strategies we learned from the program turned everyday moments into fun learning.”
The Role of Speech Pathologists in It Takes Two to Talk
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, our team includes experienced speech pathologists who are certified to deliver the Hanen Program. Our specialists use their knowledge of speech development to guide you through the process, offering personalised support based on your child’s unique needs.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Communication
Occupational therapists also play a crucial role in supporting children’s communication. At our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics, we have certified ESDM therapists, who are both speech pathologists and occupational therapists. They help children build skills in a fun, play-based environment that supports overall development, including social communication.
How OneOnOne Children’s Therapy Can Help
We are committed to supporting families in Bondi Junction and Mascot through the It Takes Two to Talk program. Our experienced team of speech pathologists is ready to guide you every step of the way, helping you recognise your child’s communication style and apply the right strategies.
Join Us for a Free Consultation
Are you looking for ways to support your child’s language development? Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation. We’ll discuss your child’s needs and how the It Takes Two to Talk program can help.
Contact Us
Call our Bondi Junction or Mascot clinics at (02) 8065 7837, or email us to book your consultation. Let us support you in enhancing your child’s communication skills and watch them thrive.
Unlock your child’s potential with It Takes Two to Talk at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy. Take the first step towards better communication today!
