Ideas for applying the PLS Communication concept in your home life:

• As children develop, it’s important we nurture their communication skills, so they build their capacity to express themselves clearly and confidently, in all aspects and areas of their life.

• When communicating with young people, instead of asking closed questions like ‘Did you enjoy your day?’, try asking open questions like ‘What happened today?’ What did you like most about today?’ and listen and respond in a caring way to what they want to tell you– both positive and negative. This will support them to build communication skills and will strengthen your relationship. If they can tell you the little things now, they might be able to tell you the big things later.

• Build communication skills with children by talking about everyday things as you go through your day, this can help make conversation easier when big or tricky things come up.

• Noticing your child’s body language and tone is as important as hearing their words so you can really understand what your child is saying without speaking. ‘You seem a bit down today. What’s happening?’

• Children learn to communicate by mimicking what they see and hear, so the more you communicate positively with them, your partner and other family members, the more positively your child will communicate. Having a set time where you connect as a family without devices to talk about your day can build everyone’s communication and relationship skills.

• Let your child finish talking before your respond and use language and ideas that your child will understand.

• Take into account what children of different ages can understand and build awareness for how long they can pay attention in a conversation.

• Reading with your child develops their language and literacy skills and introduces them to a range of vocabulary, helping them to communicate with ease and clarity. It’s never too early to start reading.

• Encouraging interaction and play with siblings and friends can help children develop social and interpersonal skills alongside their communication skills which will assist them to make new friends.

• Encouraging children to communicate effectively will assist them at school with their written communication and could enhance their performance with school assignments and exams.

• Supporting your child with positive feedback will help improve your bond with them and encourages them to listen to you and to keep striving to achieve their personal best.