Often when children have trouble communicating their thoughts and
feelings, they become frustrated. Here are some practical tips that
may be helpful.
Talk to your child about anger and frustration. Try to help your
child identify successful and not-so-successful ways of expressing
frustration.
Help your child recognize the situations which are likely to cause
frustration.
Teach your child control words such as "no", "stop", "wait", "my
turn", "me too." If your child can’t say these words, help him/her
learn to express the messages in other ways (eg., gestures, signs,
symbols, photographs).
Provide opportunities for your child to play successfully with other
children. Find play materials for your child that don’t require
a lot of language for successful use.
Tell other children that your child is trying to be their friend.
Stay nearby to help resolve problems.
Praise your child when he/she deals with frustration successfully.
Even though your child may be having trouble communicating thoughts
and feelings, don’t hesitate to set some rules about expressing
frustration. Be sure your child knows these rules before you put them
in place.
Watch what your child is trying to tell you. Look at his/her actions
and facial expressions eg. a child holding his stomach may be trying
to tell you he feels sick.
Adapted with permission from material developed by First Words Preschool
Speech and Language Program of Ottawa-Carleton led by Pinecrest-Queensway
Health and Community Services. Also adapted with permission from material
developed by Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services.
Remember...
Parents, trust your instincts and call us if you...
have questions or concerns about the way your child's speech and language
skills are developing
want to refer your child for a speech and language assessment
want more information about resources and services offered by
Don’t wait - early help makes a difference!
Call
519-272-8216
or toll-free 1-866-333-7716
and ask for smallTALK
Call
519-272-8216