Supporting my child’s understanding of language

More about supporting my child’s understanding of language

Understanding language means making sense of the words and sentences people use. Your child may find it hard to follow instructions or answer questions. They may only follow part of what you say. Their answers may not match the question. Every child is different. Some need more time and support to build these skills.

Children may find it hard to understand language for different reasons. They may need more time to understand and remember what they hear. They may also find it hard to work out which words are important. Long sentences can be harder to understand. Jokes, slang and sayings may not make sense. Some children use pointing or familiar routines to help them understand.

This can be frustrating for you and your child. Your child may become upset or seem not to listen. They may be finding it hard to understand. You may feel unsure about how to help. You are not alone. Get advice if your child often finds it hard to follow simple instructions.

You can also get advice if they find it hard to understand questions or learn new words. Speak to a health professional, nursery or school if this affects your child's daily life or you are worried. Getting support early can help.