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A young child’s receptive language develops sooner than their expressive language. This means they are capable of understanding much more than they can express. Honoring this intellectual development can be difficult when you feel you are constantly met with the one-word answer (“no!”) or a temper tantrum. You may feel like you just asked a simple question, or you just suggested a meal of their favorite food and you look down to find your child flailing on the floor. How did this happen?
Communicating with your young child with respect is what lays the foundation for how they will relate and communicate with others as they get older. Using a calm and clear voice helps them feel your sincerity and honest nature. They look to you for guidance as they build their personality.
Staying calm and clear can be difficult to remember when your young child has dropped to the floor and is crying and neither of you know why. Although this situation may not always be avoidable, often it is. You can prepare for this moment by using clear, honest, and positive communication from the start. That’s right, from the moment they are born, you can start communicating your trust in their development. And it is never too late to start! Children of all ages respond well to positive and honest communication.
Using consistent positive phrasing as your communication style helps your child understand when they have the opportunity for choice and input. Young children often feel everything is decided for them and out of their control. They are newly aware that they have choice, can contribute to family life, and they are seeking autonomy. They express it by saying, “no!” even when they may really want to say yes. We can support them as they learn that their contribution matters and that they truly have an important voice by not putting them in a situation where they can say no. We can invite them to participate in community life whenever possible and set them up for seeing their role as a contributor not a bystander.
Whenever possible, give your child a choice of two options: “Would you like to walk around the block or play in the backyard?” “Would you like to wear brown pants or blue pants?” These are moments where they feel a sense of control and that build their trust in your relationship. This foundation of trust allows you to make the bigger decisions with their cooperation (and without tantrums). “I will give you one more push on the swing and then we are leaving the park,” rather than, “Are you ready to leave?”
Below is a chart of seven common situations with young children. By changing just a few words you may find that your young child is much more cooperative and engaged in family life. And you may even see fewer tantrums!
Sarah Moudry (@sarahmoudry) is an education innovator whose work is focused on creating education environments and experiences that inspire growth and joy. Her work is rooted in Montessori philosophy and paired with her extensive experience as a designer.
Recently, her projects included the founding of StudioJune (@thestudiojune), a Montessori parent and child education center, and Family Friendly Home (@ familyfriendlyhome), an interior design company that creates inspirational home and school interiors.
Sarah is the author of books and online courses that help parents, childcare professionals, and grandparents to incorporate Montessori practice into their lives. She has an M.Ed in Montessori education, a B.S. in environment and design, AMI Montessori certification for birth to six years, and is an Associate Member of ASID. Visit
Visit www.studiojune.com to learn more!
