THE STARTING POINT

Mumu Dad’s idea of connecting expression with experience places everyday communication in a meaningful shared context. This is a parenting reflection, not a speech-language treatment programme.

Meaning matters alongside the number of words

The original essay questions a focus on how much an adult says. It asks whether the child and adult are attending to a meaningful experience together. Sharing attention does not require a stream of questions.

You might watch a toy car roll down a slope together or notice the wind on your face. An adult can offer a brief, natural comment about the moment, then leave space.

Communication is wider than speech

Children may express themselves through movement, pictures, gestures, devices or other means. Sharing an experience does not require a child to speak first or look at an adult.

Notice the communication your child already uses and respect their existing communication supports. A speech-language professional can help with specific needs, including augmentative and alternative communication.

Make room for an exchange, not another test

When every interaction becomes “What is this?” or “Say it again,” it can become harder to remember what you wanted to share in the first place. Return to something you can experience together.

Choose one moment today and notice whether your words connect with what your child is experiencing. If there is no response, it does not have to become another round of prompting.

A question to take with you

How has your child recently communicated “I want this” or “not this”?

Original materials

#表达关联：3000万父母的词汇，无法道出“我爱你” · Original essay 2021-10-25

Adapted by theme from Mumu Dad’s Chinese writing, rather than translated word for word. Experiences and support needs differ.

Read the original Chinese source ↗

Further reading: ASHA on augmentative and alternative communication ↗

This article offers parenting reflection, not diagnosis, predictions about individual outcomes or a substitute for professional support.

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