120 Hawaii Parent March/April 2026 help children learn new words and sentence structures naturally. Engaging toddlers and preschoolers in conversation by asking open-ended questions and responding thoughtfully to their attempts to communicate encourages confidence and curiosity. Reading picture books together as part of a daily routine builds vocabulary, listening comprehension, and early literacy skills. Sharing books also strengthens emotional bonds and helps children associate learning with warmth and connection. Play-based interactions, including pretend play and cooperative games, foster imagination and support the development of more complex language and social skills. For children with emerging language, modeling clear and grammatically correct speech, encouraging turn-taking, equipped to develop strong literacy skills, emotional regulation, and academic achievement later in life. Parents play an important role in monitoring their child’s speech, language, hearing, and social development. Trusted resources such as the American Speech - Language - Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publish developmental checklists and social communication growth charts that can help you track your child’s progress. Early identification of potential challenges can make a significant difference in your child’s communication journey. Parents as a Child’s First Teachers Parents are also a child’s first and most important teachers. At home, families can create a rich language environment through everyday routines, reading, and play. Simple, consistent interactions such as talking during meals, naming objects while grocery shopping, or describing actions during bath time,
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