How can caregivers help bub to communicate their way?
Communicate your way – it’s a theme that often comes up in our Inklings Program – whether it’s through sounds, gestures or other body language, Inklings works to identify how a baby likes to communicate, and respond and encourage connections between bub and caregiver.
This year, Speech Pathology Week is celebrating just that.
The campaign, taking place from 25 August to 31 August focusses on the unique communication styles of people across Australia.
“Whether it’s spoken, signed, digital, or written, communication bridges gaps, fosters meaning and understanding, and strengthens relationships. It’s about making connections and expressing ourselves in unique ways.”
Our Inklings Specialists gave us some insight into Inklings, and the unique ways the program encourages babies to communicate in their own way.
The importance of observing leads
Every baby is different and has unique ways of communicating and interacting.
As parents take time out of the hustle and bustle of life to observe their baby carefully, it’s possible to notice even subtle communication that is otherwise easy to miss.
Observing leads to a closer understanding of what baby is communicating- and feeling understood is so important for babies and for all of us. As babies feel understood, they are likely to experience less frustration, enjoy communicating more and increase in their confidence to communicate their way.
So be sure to take some time out of each day to sit and watch – you never know what you might see.
Following bub’s interests
Babies love to explore, and having a communication partner to do this with can make the world of a difference.
Every baby will have their own idea of play and may not play with a toy the way it’s ‘meant’ to be played with. They take their time and repeat actions over and over as they figure out how things work.
A baby uses their whole body to communicate, engaging all their senses in touching, tasting, listening and smelling to learn more about the world.
Parents can support babies to learn and ‘communicate their way;’
- Be with bub as they play, being thoughtful andattentive to what baby is interested in
- Observe what has caught baby’s attention
- Talk with baby about what baby is doing, thinking or feeling
- Join in to play in baby’s way
- Be available to offer help when baby needs it
Inklings is ‘baby led’ and all about letting bub follow their natural interests, through play, mealtime and everything in between.
If you feel you and your baby might benefit from Inklings program, be sure to enquire via our WA page here.