We’re certain you’re excited to hold long conversations with your toddler and try to teach them lots of new words, but nonverbal communication is not to be ignored. In fact, it is key to understanding and encouraging speech and language in the under-threes. They can express themselves and understand others through nonverbal cues. Let’s explore the importance of this communication as well as how you can best support it.

Great, but what is nonverbal communication, specifically?

This is any communication that doesn’t involve speaking or writing words. Examples include gestures and body language, as well as tone of voice, eye contact, and facial expressions. Sometimes, we can all convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions through nonverbal communication. It plays an important role in social interaction. Remember, sometimes actions speak louder than words.

Why is nonverbal communication so important for toddlers?

Toddlers need it to communicate with us while they cannot yet properly articulate themselves. This can reduce their frustration and support their connection with others. It’s also essential to social development because they are learning to understand nonverbal cues and react appropriately.

How can I encourage and support nonverbal communication in my toddler?

There are lots of easy ways to do this that will make your child feel supported and more confident.

Be attentive to your child’s nonverbal cues.

Be mindful of their facial expressions, gestures, and body language. By staying attuned to these cues, you can better understand your child’s needs and emotions and respond to them correctly.

Use your own nonverbal communication.

As much time as we spend watching over our children, we sometimes forget how closely they are watching us. Your child is learning from your nonverbal examples. Pay attention to how your face and gestures express emotions and maintain eye contact in conversation. By modelling gestures and facial expressions, you’re helping your child develop their own skills.

Play games that encourage non-verbal communication.

There are many games and activities that can help toddlers develop their nonverbal communication skills. For example, you can play "Simon Says" to encourage your child to follow simple instructions using gestures and body language. You can also play games that involve making faces to express different emotions or using gestures to communicate different needs or wants.

Lots of games help toddlers learn nonverbal communication. Even something as simple as “Simon Says” requires gestures and body language, so get creative. Remember all your old favourites, and have fun! You can also make up characters to entertain your child. Pull faces to express their emotions, or use gestures to express their personalities.

Read picture books with characters behaving animatedly to your toddler.

As noted elsewhere in our Unii Toddler Speech Journey, reading to your child helps to power their language development. Show your toddler the facial expressions and body language of the characters, and explain what they are trying to convey. Encourage your child to do the same so they can learn to better interpret nonverbal messages and recognise emotions in others.

What role does nonverbal communication play in language development?

For Unii’s Toddler Speech Journey, we shine a light on the importance of nonverbal communication in your child's language development.