Often, without realizing it, we meet all our children’s needs before they even have the chance to express them. But by doing so, we take away valuable opportunities for them to request, communicate, and grow linguistically.
🔍 When is a child considered to be “requesting”?
Depending on their developmental level, a child can request in many ways:
• Pointing (with hand or gaze)
• Using gestures (e.g., nodding)
• Producing a sound or syllable that resembles the word
• Using simple or more complex phrases
👂 How can you encourage this skill in practice?
If your child doesn’t yet express requests verbally, give them time to communicate in any way. Once they show intent, you can model the words you’d like them to use. For example: “Cookie, mommy.”
🎯 Create communication opportunities by:
• Giving a cup with only a little water
• Placing toys in a transparent, hard-to-open container
• Standing in front of the swing without pushing it
• Putting favorite objects high up but visible
• Offering food without a spoon
• Standing at the door without opening it
• Giving snacks in sealed packaging
• Handing them a bubble bottle without liquid
• Putting them in the bathtub without turning on the water
• Giving them clothes that don’t fit
• Offering crayons or pencils that don’t write
With these little “tricks,” you create an environment full of communication motivation. A child who learns to request is a child who learns to think, decide, and eventually… talk!
And once they start asking—good luck! Because there’s usually no turning back 😄
Maria Lazarou
Speech and Language Therapist (SLP, BSc, M.A.)
Head of the Multidisciplinary Team, Evlogon
