Verbal communication is what sets us aside as a species and makes life much easier. You don’t have to guess what someone wants and how you can help them when you can simply ask. But what do you do when the one crying can’t tell you what’s wrong and what they want? Your baby may be the most important person in your life, but they’re also the most difficult to understand. Believe it or not, you can communicate and play with your baby even when they don’t know how to talk.
1. Follow their lead
If you’re wondering how to play with your baby or toddler, the best way to know for sure is to follow their lead. They might not be able to tell you what they want to do but they’ll be able to show you. It’s as simple as putting your baby in the middle of the toy pile and watching what they pick first. If they bring you over a book, read it to them.
If they reach for the building blocks, make something together. If it’s the xylophone they’re after, make music. Whatever they decide to play with, you can do it too. Even if it’s just playing pretend with stuffed animals, your baby will appreciate you taking an interest. When they start bringing over their toys to you on a regular basis, you’ll know you’ve done a good job.
2. Involve peers
It will be much easier to socialize and play when there’s someone who understands your child’s language present. They’ll show you exactly how to respond to your baby’s advances when it comes to playing. As well as that, you’ll get to see how they act around other people and how exactly they like to play.
Organizing play dates also makes it easier for you to talk to other parents about the methods of communication they use and how effective they are. This experience will help you find the right channel for communication and bring you closer to your baby more than anything else.
3. Read the signs
Your baby might not be able to tell you what’s wrong, but they’ll show you. Communication at younger ages is based on body language and other signs your little one will show. You’ll probably be able to tell when their diaper is full by the face they make, and you’ll know they’re hungry by the way they cry.
Other signs will be symptoms of something else. For example, if you notice your baby’s needs are met but they’re still fussy, and there’s some drool dribbling from their mouth, your baby may be teething. This is a painful time in any kid’s like, so it’s important for the parent to read the signs correctly and alleviate the pain. The best way you can do this is to look up various baby teething remedies and show your child you’re therefor them in this time of need.
4. Try sign language
If your baby is a little bit older, you can try teaching them sign language. You don’t have to worry about this impending your baby’s natural speech, as all humans have the ability to develop it despite learning sign language first. Speech ability is simply something we all share. Your baby can learn the basic signs and then tell you exactly what they feel like.
They can sign when they’re thirsty, want their favourite toy, have their diaper full, or anything else you teach them.
Conclusion
Building a relationship with a baby isn’t easy because you basically don’t understand each other. Communication can occur in many ways though, so you don’t have to rely on words to bond with your little one. They’ll appreciate your efforts and reward them with the purest and happiest giggle you’ll ever hear. That will be your sign that you’ve done your job well and that your baby truly is content.
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