Little Miss A is officially becoming a little chatterbox.
At almost 8 months old, when it comes to communication, she is certainly thriving!
And her babbles, gestures and expressions are absolutely adorable.
She mimics those around her, is eager to join in on conversations and doesn’t shy away from exploring people and the world around her.
And after observing her recently interacting with one of her little playmates got me thinking about communication.
The secret world of baby language is fascinating to watch! 🙂 Reminds me of the film, ‘The Boss Baby’.
communication requires skill
Even though it’s something we do every day (often without even thinking about it … which can sometimes get us into trouble!), communication is complex, and to do it effectively requires some skill.
For example, communication is made up of verbal (spoken or written words), and non-verbal (body language, gestures, facial expressions) elements, and communicating effectively means paying attention to both of these features, while practicing active listening and empathy, and having an innate sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
As a journalist who recently graduated with a Master of Communication, specialising in Journalism from Deakin University (*insert humble brag*), I understand the importance of effective communication.
Communication is a fundamental skill that underpins every aspect of life. Effective communication enhances personal relationships, professional success, and overall well-being.
And this is no secret or some groundbreaking revelation.
With the countless studies, books and educational videos (think: MasterClass) on the topic, we all know how important effective communication is, and many of us are constantly trying to improve and enhance our communication skills.
A recent example of a communication MasterClass that I came across –
starting young
While it’s a skill that can be learnt and developed, like with many things, learning how to communicate effectively starts in infancy — it’s important to start young with building effective and authentic communication skills.
This has many benefits for the developing child and can impact their immediate development and long-term growth.
Early effective communication skills are important for a child’s emotional, cognitive and social development. Communication skills are important for future educational success, building relationships (the ability to connect with people!), independence and self-efficacy, and even for health and safety.
put away the screens
And this is why it’s important for parents to take communication development in early childhood seriously … which might mean putting away those iPads! *welp*
Yes, I know, I know it’s SO easy to sit baby down in front of an iPad (hello screentime) for that much-needed break and some quiet time! But sadly, it’s not necessarily the best thing to be doing.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open corroborates this.
The small study (n=63 toddlers) out of the Seattle Children’s Institute in the US reveals giving children touchscreens may inhibit their early communication. YIKES!
And I for one don’t want to be inhibiting Little Miss A’s communication … and she’s definitely becoming a chatterbox — her babbles are SO CUTE!
As part of the small study, the team of researchers gave toddlers access to a touchscreen tablet and then attempted to give them joint attention prompts.
Following this, the research team observed that the children took longer to acknowledge behavioural requests while playing on the tablet compared to when they were without the screens.
These findings, according to the researchers, mean that giving toddlers with a touchscreen tablet/iPad might block them from learning early social-communicative interactions.
“In this cohort study, a touch-screen tablet game was associated with decreased joint attention among toddlers, and they were less likely to respond to a behavioural request. In a laboratory setting, it was difficult for toddlers to engage in social-communicative interactions with adults when using a tablet media device.”
You can read the full study here.
Having kids is no joke! It’s exciting and challenging, and it’s a lot of responsibility. It requires patience, discipline and perseverance … and means following the harder path rather than the easier way out at times.
But like with anything worthwhile, seeing your little one thrive developmentally makes all the hard work (and the tough times when your physically and mentally spent!) worth it — it’s worth it in the long run, putting that screen away!
For more about the effects of screen time on children, visit: Too much time on screens? Screen time effects and guidelines for children and young people.
x G.
editor, journalist, digital content creator with a background in nutrition & dietetics.
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