Reading and talking every day with young children helps them develop socially, emotionally and intellectually. British Columbia Interior Health offers these suggestions:

• Book time each day to read and talk, and sing songs with your child.

• Talk about what you and your child are doing during everyday activities.

• Talk slowly, clearly, and with both facial and verbal expression.

• With young children, use single words, phrases, or simple sentences.

• Once your child starts to copy you, try saying things like “Look what I found!” – and then pause – to encourage your child to respond and be a conversation partner.

Early detection of communication difficulties is key. Parents and caregivers are often the first to note signs such as:

• your child is not talking at the level you expect for his/her age; or,

• you need to routinely interpret to others what your child has said.

If you suspect that your child has difficulty communicating, contact your nearest school. Your child might be eligible for educational services even before kindergarten.