The Art of Communication Temptation: Turning Everyday Moments into Opportunities

Imagine you’re at a delicious-looking buffet, overflowing with delicious treats. Your mouth waters and your stomach grumbles - you don’t know where to start!

Just as the tempting sights and smells of a buffet entice you to take a bite, communication temptation is about creating irresistible opportunities that encourage people to engage in communication. Whether using toys, snacks, or engaging activities, you can turn everyday moments into chances for your child to practice their speech and language skills without even realising it.

Here are four simple and effective tips to use communication temptation at home and encourage your child to communicate more:

Put Objects in Boxes

Stash your child’s favourite toys or snacks in clear boxes they can’t open on their own. The catch? They can see the goodies but need to ask for help to get them! This sets up a natural opportunity for your child to practice requesting and using words to communicate.

Put Objects Up High

Placing toys or items on high shelves or in out-of-reach spots can be a game-changer. When your child wants something they can’t reach, they’re more likely to ask for it, giving them a chance to use their speech and language in a real-life situation.

Give One Object at a Time

Instead of giving all the toys or snacks at once, provide only one or a few items at a time. This increases the chances for the child to request more, practice making choices, and engage in conversation.

Remove a Piece of the Object (Sabotage)

Here’s a sneaky trick: occasionally take away a crucial piece of a toy or game. If a key part is missing, your child will need to ask for help or seek the missing piece—giving them the perfect reason to communicate their needs.

Use Moderation for Best Results

While communication temptation is a powerful tool, it’s essential to use it in moderation. Overdoing these strategies could lead to frustration and discourage your child. Imagine if you could never access your favourite toys or always receive only one chip at a time— it would be quite frustrating!

I aim for a 70/30 rule: using communication temptation strategies about 30% of the time. This balance helps nurture communication skills while still allowing for independent play and exploration.

By thoughtfully incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you create engaging opportunities for your child to practice and develop their communication skills.

Remember, if you have concerns about speech or communication issues it’s best to speak with a professional SLP. If you’re worried about delays or would like help with communication reach out today.