In a world increasingly dominated by screens, face-to-face communication is still one of the most important skills our kids can learn. But with so much time spent on devices—whether it's texting, gaming, or watching videos—kids may be missing out on valuable opportunities to develop those real-life social skills. And while it can be easy to rely on tech for many things, it can't replace the benefits of a good, old-fashioned, real-world conversation.
As parents, it’s up to us to help guide our kids through this. It’s not just about teaching them good verbal communication skills but also helping them understand the importance of listening skills, reading body language, and showing empathy. These skills don’t just pop up overnight, but when we help kids build them early, they’re better prepared for the challenges ahead—whether it’s working out a playground disagreement, teaming up on a school project, or even handling a tough conversation online.
Why Early Communication Skills Matter for Kids
Why are communication skills important for kids? Communication is at the heart of everything they’ll do, from making friends to doing well in school. Kids start communicating long before they even speak their first word. Babies communicate with us through facial expressions, cries, and even how they move their cute little bodies. As they grow, those early signals turn into more complex language, shaping how they interact with the world.
When we engage with our kids—responding to their non-verbal cues and having real conversations with them—we’re helping them build the foundation they need for language development. Studies show that strong communication skills are tied to how well kids do in school, how they handle emotions, and how they get along with others.
In those early years, kids learn how to express themselves, understand others, and form relationships through constant interaction. The more chances they get to practice—whether it’s in the classroom or just playing with friends—the more confident they’ll become in navigating all kinds of social situations.
Basic Communication Skills Every Kid Should Know
Learning to communicate effectively takes time, but there are a few key skills that can really help kids navigate the world around them and help them learn to interact with others in a way that’s thoughtful, empathetic, and respectful.
1. Active Listening
One of the most valuable skills kids can develop is active listening. This means really tuning in to what someone else is saying, asking questions when it makes sense, and responding in a way that shows they’re engaged. Simple things like making eye contact, not interrupting, and repeating back what they’ve heard can go a long way in building stronger, more meaningful conversations.
You can help your child practice this skill in everyday life by showing them what active listening looks like. When they’re talking to you, give them your full attention—put down the phone, make eye contact, and even nod or reflect back with something like, “It sounds like recess was a blast today!”
2. Expressing Emotions Clearly
It’s no secret that kids often find it hard to express how they’re feeling. This can lead to frustration—for them and for us! That’s why teaching them how to label their emotions (“I feel sad” or “I’m excited”) is such an important step in helping them communicate better. When they can put their feelings into words, they’re less likely to feel misunderstood or overwhelmed.
Helping kids explain why they feel a certain way is key to avoiding miscommunication. For instance, instead of just saying, “I’m mad,” guide them to add as much detail to the emotion as they can: “I’m mad because my friend wouldn’t share the toy.” This helps them communicate their needs in a way that others can understand.
To make this even easier, you can try using tools like emotion charts or "feelings journals" that encourage kids to reflect on their emotions regularly. These simple habits can really make a difference in how they express themselves.
3. Asking Questions
Teaching your child to ask open-ended questions (the kind that can’t be answered with just a "yes" or "no") encourages them to explore ideas and build stronger connections. To encourage this, try playing a family game at dinner where everyone takes turns asking an open-ended question. Something like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “How did that make you feel?” can open up conversations and give your child the chance to practice asking thoughtful, engaging questions.
4. Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal cues like facial expressions, gestures, and body language are just as important as the words we speak. Helping your child recognize these signals in others and understand how their own body language impacts a conversation can help them successfully navigate social situations.
A fun way to practice this skill is by playing charades or emotion-matching games, where your child has to guess how someone is feeling just by looking at their facial expressions or reading their body language. Another easy way to teach this is by pointing out non-verbal cues in everyday life. For instance, if your child’s sibling seems upset but isn’t saying anything, you could ask, “What do you think they’re feeling based on how they look?”
5. Respectful Speaking
Whether they’re talking to friends or adults, learning how to speak politely—taking turns in conversations and avoid interrupting, for example—goes a long way in building healthy relationships. Plus, it shows others that their thoughts and feelings matter.
One way to teach children this skill is by introducing something like a “talking stick” during family discussions, where only the person holding the stick can speak. This helps kids practice taking turns and listening without interrupting. When conflicts come up, encourage your child to use “I” statements like, “I feel upset when…” instead of blaming language. This keeps the conversation respectful and more focused on finding a solution.
6. Practicing Empathy
Empathy is all about understanding and sharing how someone else feels. Teaching your child to see things from another person’s perspective helps them build stronger, more compassionate relationships. It’s also a huge help when it comes to resolving conflicts and earning trust.
One simple way to work on empathy is by talking about emotions in the context of stories—whether from books, TV shows, or even real-life situations. After a character goes through something challenging, you can ask, “How do you think they’re feeling right now?” or “How would you feel if you were in their shoes?” These kinds of questions help kids look beyond their own experiences and think about how others might feel, which is a big step in building emotional intelligence.
7. Conflict Resolution
Knowing how to resolve conflicts calmly and respectfully is one of those language skills that pays off in every social interaction, from playground disagreements to bigger challenges down the road. Teaching your child to stay calm, express their feelings clearly, listen to others, and work together to find a solution can make a huge difference in how they handle conflict.
Teach your kids to use simple phrases like, “Can we take turns?” or “Let’s figure this out together” to give them practical tools for approaching conflict with a positive, solution-oriented mindset. The more they practice, the more naturally these strategies will come to them when it really counts, helping them grow into confident, thoughtful peacemakers.
Ways to Teach Your Child Effective Communication Skills
Teaching communication skills isn’t something that happens overnight, but with consistency, it’s a fun and rewarding process. Here are some practical ways to help your child develop these skills:
1. Play Together
Playtime is one of the most natural ways for kids to learn communication. They can do this through pretend play, board games, or playing a sport. In all these situations, kids practice things like taking turns, sharing, and using words to express themselves. During play, you can model good communication by speaking clearly, using body language, and encouraging your child to do the same.
2. Make Time for Social Interactions With Other Kids
Kids pick up a lot of their communication skills from interacting with other kids. Giving your child chances to socialize (in school, at playdates, or in sports) helps them practice things like conversation, resolving conflicts, and showing empathy.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Instead of questions that lead to one-word answers, try asking open-ended ones that encourage your child to think and share more. For example, instead of asking, “Did you have fun today?” you might ask, “What was the best part of your day?” This helps them reflect on their experiences and engage in deeper conversations.
4. Model Conversation Skills
Your child learns a lot just by watching you, so try to model the communication habits you want them to develop. Show them what it looks like to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and respond respectfully in conversations. When they see you doing this, they’ll be more likely to mimic those same behaviors in their own interactions.
For more ideas on how to support your child’s communication skills, check out PBS Parents’ helpful tips here.
Helping Kids Thrive with Clear Communication
Helping kids develop strong communication skills is one of the best gifts we can give them. Teaching and modeling tools like active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution helps children build relationships, succeed in school, and express their feelings in a healthy way. With patience, consistency, and a supportive environment, you’re setting them up to become confident communicators who can thrive in all areas of life.
