Using Wait Time To Help Children Improve Their Speech And Language Skills

Silence. It’s not something parents and caregivers of children often get to enjoy, but parents can use quiet as a tool to help their children practice new communication skills.

Speech-language pathologists often encourage parents to use “wait time,” or an intentional and expectant pause during a communication exchange, to give children extra time to process incoming language, to recognize that it is their turn to talk in a conversation, and to organize and express their thoughts.

Try using wait time in these situations with your young child, who is just learning to talk, or with older children experiencing language delays.

When your child is asking for something by pulling you, pointing, or making noise, first validate his or her attempt to communicate by saying, “It looks like you want something!” Then, wait quietly for a few seconds while looking at him or her expectantly before jumping in and giving your child the words to say.

When you ask your child a question, count to five in your head before asking again, encouraging him or her to answer, or giving the answer yourself. Often a child does not answer immediately when processing the question or organizing a response, and when the adult tries to help too quickly during this process, it can lead to frustration and avoidance.

If you’re trying to engage your child in conversation, make a comment and then pause silently for two to three seconds and wait for your child to respond before moving on. Be sure to look expectantly at your child while you wait to help him or her realize that it is their turn to speak and that you are interested in what he or she may want to share.

You may find it difficult to add quiet wait time into your conversations and interactions with your child at first. You may have developed a habit of speaking for your child or arranging routines so that he or she does not have to communicate, possibly to ease or prevent struggles for a child who has difficulty expressing himself or herself verbally. You may have developed a habit of repeating questions rapidly and encouraging your child to answer without giving sufficient thought time in an attempt to help. Or you may just find the silence a little awkward.

All of these reasons are understandable, and many parents have the same habits and feelings. Try adding wait time into your interactions with your child, and your efforts may pay off in an increase in communication skills.

Do you have concerns about your child’s speech or language development? Don’t delay in taking action. Kid Connections Therapy in Severna Park offers an eight-week virtual language enrichment program in which families learn at their own pace to support their young children’s language development. Learn more about the program at www.kidconnectionstherapy.com/familyconnectionsprogram.

Call 410-274-0041 for more information about receiving an evaluation for speech therapy services.