How to Effectively Communicate with Your Children Clearly & Intentionally - Podcast
Updated: Aug 25
In this article we will discuss:
Join Better Speech on the new episode of Raising Remarkable Teenagers Podcast, where
we discuss the importance of intentional communication and how it can help parents better connect with their teens. Find out how broken lines of communication can become effective and clear when the right tools are applied.
Listen to the podcast using one of the players below:
Episode highlights
It is important to remember typical and atypical speech development in order to best support your child's language growth. Language starts at a young age and expands as our understanding grows.
It starts with receptive language: so when your little one is growing, what you're going to see is they're actually communicating, but non-verbally. They're looking for you. They're turning their head to see where that sound is coming from. They're trying to piece together that information about the world around them. And you, as a parent or guardian, your role in this is to keep talking.
As your little one develops, they'll start to have a vocal play, they'll start to make noises and understand they have a voice too. And as they start to get to one and two years old, their language skills are going to start to develop.
They're working to understand and model you. That's why it's so important to narrate for little ones, because not only are you telling them the information, but you're modeling for them. And they naturally want to model you back.
As your little one continues to develop speech sounds, they can have difficulty with specific sounds. So if you don't work on it, if you don't come for speech therapy services, what will actually happen is your child will then become aware in time that they're not talking like other people. And then what happens is they will start to become quieter, talk smaller and they'll move their mouth less.
Want to improve your child's speech skills?
Some other red flags to take into account as your child grows include:
Are they able to literally say their sentences clearly?
Are they responding with really short phrases and not a lot of detail?
What is the content that your teenager is talking to you about? Are they processing information correctly?
Do they avoid making eye contact or are they turning away from a lot of social situations?
Intentional parenting is about being clear, authentic, genuine, heard, understood and validated while having two-way conversations with your teen. To foster connection with teenagers they should be encouraged to speak about what interests them and their words should be repeated back to show understanding.
At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to communicate with your child intentionally?
Intentional communication means being fully present and purposeful in how you speak and listen to your child. It involves choosing your words carefully, making eye contact, and responding to your child's emotional state rather than just their words. This kind of mindful interaction helps children feel heard and builds lasting trust between you and them.
At what age should parents start practicing clear communication with their children?
Clear, intentional communication starts from birth. Even before babies can talk, they are absorbing tone, facial expressions, and the rhythm of language. Narrating your actions, responding to coos and cries, and maintaining a calm tone all lay the foundation for strong communication skills that carry your child through childhood and beyond.
How can I tell if my child is having trouble understanding or expressing themselves?
Watch for signs like frequent frustration when trying to talk, limited vocabulary for their age, difficulty following directions, or avoiding conversation. If these patterns persist, it may be worth consulting a speech-language pathologist. Better Speech offers licensed, insurance-ready care with no waitlists, making it easier to get professional support quickly and conveniently from home.
What are simple daily habits that improve parent-child communication?
Put away devices during meals and create a consistent time each day for open conversation, even if just 10 minutes. Ask open-ended questions like 'What was the hardest part of your day?' instead of questions with yes or no answers. Reflecting back what your child says, such as 'It sounds like you felt left out,' also teaches them emotional vocabulary and shows you are listening.
Why does my child shut down when I try to talk to them?
Children often shut down when they sense judgment, interruption, or that a conversation will lead to a lecture. Try lowering the stakes by having conversations during a shared activity like a walk or drawing, where there is no face-to-face pressure. Staying calm, validating their feelings first, and resisting the urge to immediately problem-solve can encourage them to open up more naturally over time.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
