How Parents Can Help Foster Pragmatic Language Skills
By: Emily Messer, CCC-SLP
As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your preschooler develop pragmatic language skills. Luckily, there are plenty of simple and fun ways to support your child’s learning. Here are a few strategies you can try:
- Model Conversations
One of the best ways to teach pragmatic language is by modeling it yourself. Engage your child in daily conversations and show them how to use polite greetings, take turns in a discussion, and express feelings appropriately. You can also demonstrate how to ask for help or clarification when you need it. For example, if you’re cooking together, you might say, “I don’t understand this recipe—can you help me find the right ingredients?” This shows them that it’s okay to ask questions.
- Role-Playing Social Situations
Pretend play is a wonderful tool for teaching social rules. Create scenarios with your child where you can practice things like saying “please” and “thank you,” sharing toys, or asking to join in a game. You could take turns being the teacher or the friend and practice greeting each other, asking questions, or solving problems. Role-playing gives your child a safe space to experiment with language and social interactions.
- Play Games That Promote Turn-Taking
Games are a natural way to teach turn-taking, listening, and understanding social rules. Play games like “Simon Says,” “I Spy,” or board games that require taking turns. These activities encourage your child to follow rules, wait for their turn, and engage with others in a positive way. They’ll also learn how to navigate winning and losing gracefully, which is another important aspect of social skills.
- Discuss Emotions and Body Language
Help your child become more aware of emotions by talking about feelings regularly. You can read books that focus on emotions or watch shows where characters express their feelings. Encourage your child to identify emotions in themselves and others. For example, you might ask, “How do you think that character is feeling? Why do you think they’re upset?” This helps them start to recognize social cues and practice empathy.
- Create Opportunities for Social Interaction
Encourage your child to spend time with other kids to practice their social skills. Arrange playdates, attend group activities, or visit parks where they can interact with peers. The more opportunities they have to engage in different social situations, the more they will learn about appropriate behaviors, such as sharing, waiting their turn, or offering help.
- Praise and Reinforce Positive Social Behavior
When you see your child using good social skills, be sure to acknowledge and praise them. Positive reinforcement helps them understand what behaviors are appropriate and encourages them to continue using these skills. For example, you might say, “I really liked how you waited for your friend to finish talking before you spoke. That was so polite!” This reinforces their learning and boosts their confidence.
The Long-Term Benefits of Pragmatic Language Skills
Fostering pragmatic language skills in preschoolers may seem like a small task, but it has a lasting impact on their social, emotional, and academic development. By helping your child learn how to interact appropriately with others, understand social cues, and express themselves clearly, you are setting them up for success in school and beyond.
The skills they develop now will not only help them build strong friendships, navigate social situations, and manage their emotions, but they’ll also lay the groundwork for confident communication as they grow older. By being mindful of how you model language use and creating opportunities for practice, you’re giving your child the tools they need to thrive in their community, in school, and throughout their lives.
So, take the time to observe, guide, and celebrate your child’s progress in these social skills—it’s one of the most valuable things you can do to support their growth.
The Speech therapy team at C&FD offers complimentary 15 minute phone consultations to discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s speech development. Give us a call to set up a complimentary phone consultation or request an appointment on our website.
