7 Strategies to Keep Your Child Talking This Summer

by Sarah Chlebek, MS CCC-SLP

Summer is around the corner!  What are you going to do all day?  Here are some fun ideas!

Tips to Keep Your Child Talking This Summer:

1. Go Outside:  Don’t be afraid to get messy.  Going outside is a great way for children to get their energy out.  Go to the park.  Go to the lake.  Go for a walk.  Go in your backyard.  You can find nature anywhere!  Children love to explore their surroundings through touch.  So get outside and explore with your child!  Talk about what you see and hear.   

2. Stick to the schedule:  Summer is action packed and filled with activities.  It is important to maintain a routine.  Have your child go to bed, wake up, and take naps at the same time.  Set a schedule for mealtimes and try to stick to it.      

3. Stay social:  Engage your child in group play.  There are many social activities in your community.  Checking out your local library and local children’s gym is a good place to start.   Setting up play dates with your neighbors and friends is another good way to keep your child social over the summer.   

4. Excursions:  Chicago is a great city to explore!  There are many places and sights to experience with your little one!  Go to the museum.  Go to the aquarium.  Visit the lake.  Head outside of the city and visit a farm to gather some local produce.  Check out the new Maggie Daley Park.  Go to Navy Pier.  Go to the zoo.  The options are endless!

5. Play with your child:  Have fun.  Try to take at least 15 minutes every day to devote to play time with your child.  Every activity can be a chance to teach and engage your little one.  Need to send out your mail?  Have your child put the stamps on for you.   Need to go to the grocery store?  Make it fun!  Engage your child in a fun game of helping you find the items on your grocery list.   

6. Free Play:  You don’t have to plan every minute of your toddler’s life.  Let your kids be kids.  Allow free play and imagination.  Self play is just as important as being able to play and interact with others. 

7.Busy bag:   Summer is a busy time and you are probably on-the-go frequently!  Keep your little one engaged by creating a busy bag.  Keep a bag or tote filled with age appropriate toys.  Here are some ideas of toys you could put in your bag:  sticker book, crayons, books, stuffed animals or small plastic animals, blocks, toy foods, puzzles.

Anchor Therapies, LLC offers services in Chicago and Northwest Suburbs. If you have questions or concerns about your child, give us a call at (312) 715-7218 or contact us to schedule your FREE screening today!