Communication skills are important for all of us to possess. In fact, as we grow up, this is the first thing we develop, in the form of cries and coos. A child may not have words yet to express their needs, but they can have different tells that alert the parent that they are hungry, sleepy, or need a diaper change.
How Children Learn to Communicate Early On
Children below six months old usually communicate through cries. This might be frustrating for the parent at first, but eventually, they learn to understand what a baby’s cry means and how to pacify them. Children also learn from their parents, depending on the response to their cries. This interaction between parent and child is the most basic communication skill that gives way to others as they grow older.
Mirroring
The family unit plays a significant role in the way a child reacts to certain social scenarios. As they learn their first words and take their first steps, they will also take on the mannerisms and actions reinforced by their family. If the family does not eat vegetables, the child will also learn to grow up not eating it. If the family plays a sport together, the child will look forward to these when they grow up. Some of the healthy and unhealthy habits you formed in your early adulthood may be because of your childhood environment.
The Importance of Schooling
Eventually, language comes into the mix. As your child enters school age, they learn the more formal English language, which will be the foundation of their public communication skills moving forward. If they are not a native English speaker, they might need some help. As a parent, you want them to thrive so you find ways to give them a leg up. Private tutoring can help as early as in grade school. For others, getting an IB English tutor later on is the best course so that they can finetune their skills in an International Baccalaureate curriculum. From grade school to higher education, private tutoring can make it easier to focus on the harder concepts that might only be discussed in passing in class.
Communicating as a Parent’s Best Tool
Yes, you started the same way as all other children, with no words and only cries as your form of communication. Still, this does not mean you become an expert in understanding what children are like. It is important as a parent to revisit the limitations of a child’s way of communicating and not expect the child to understand everything at an adult level. It is your role to model healthy communication styles that your child can adapt and use to express their emotions. Without these, talking between parent and child may not be as smooth, and your child may carry this moving forward.
We are always learning to communicate better and adapt to social situations in every part of our lives. Arm yourself with good communication skills, including body language and sign language, to thrive in any situation.
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