7 Tips for a Good Conversation with Your Toddler or Preschooler

One child chatters all day long, while another is a bit quieter. As soon as your child starts speaking in short sentences, it's nice to have a conversation with the little one from time to time. Have you made many attempts but can't get more than a "yes" or "nice" from your toddler or preschooler? Perhaps these tips will help you on your way to a good conversation.

Tip 1: Choose the right moment
During breakfast, in the evening after a shower, or just before bedtime: choose a good moment when your child is relaxed. Then the chance of a good conversation is much greater.

Tip 2: Have a conversation at eye level
Sit together at the table or take a seat on the edge of the bed. If your child doesn't want to sit, crouch down yourself. A child listens more readily when you make eye contact.

Tip 3: Try to listen genuinely
Of course, it can sometimes be difficult to follow everything your preschooler says, but really listen to what your child has to say. Don't finish sentences and try not to interrupt your child.

Tip 4: Build up your questions
Start with closed questions, such as: Was it fun at daycare/school? Did you play outside today? Was Miss Marieke there too? Then ask open questions: What did you do at school today? What games did you play outside? What did you enjoy doing the most today?

Tip 5: Keep asking
If you get mainly short answers, keep asking. Did you play in the sandbox today?No.What did you do outside then?Played tag.Who did you play tag with?With Bas and Anna.How do you play tag?A long explanation follows.

Tip 6: Don't make it one-way traffic
Of course, your goal is to find out what occupies your child's mind, but be careful it doesn't become an interrogation from your side. Put your child at ease by also sharing some things yourself. What did you do today and what did you experience? "What I experienced today..." Tell it interestingly so that you motivate your child to engage with your story.

Tip 7: Be creative
Some children are introverted and find it difficult to talk. Try to get your child talking in another way. For example, ask them to make a drawing about something fun they experienced today.

Do you have more tips to encourage your child to share more? Respond onFacebook