Good Morning,

Communication with your little one can be challenging. Those moments when your child is crying and you have no idea what's wrong, or when they are having a meltdown in the middle of the grocery store can leave you feeling helpless.  

Children who are not yet verbal often use body language to express how they are feeling. You may observe them hitting when they are frustrated or mad, crying when they are hurt or want something that they can't ask for, or smiling when they are amused and want more.  Babies take everything you say in, and understand more than you may think. If you can verbalize as much as you can what you observe your child trying to express, you can help them feel comforted that you understand what they are trying to say while modeling verbal language. In music class, you may notice your Sprouting Melodies Provider putting into words what your child wants. For instance, your child may be pointing to the maracas on the shelf while everyone is singing the hello song. Your provider can help them be understood by saying, "I know you want the maracas, we will play them soon," and then redirect them back to the hello song. Instead of ignoring non-verbal communication from your child to avoid a power struggle, try telling them you know what they are saying, and then redirect to something different. 

Have a great week, and I'll see you in class!

~Kristina