Teach Speech Delayed Child to Speak! The EASY way!

Learn how to teach “Yes” through everyday questions, choices, and routines, giving your child another simple way to communicate what they want.

Does your child know what they like but struggle to communicate “yes”?

Children may reach, smile, get excited, nod, or run towards something they want. “Yes” gives them a simple way to confirm what they want and respond to other people.

A child can communicate “Yes” with a word, a sound, a head nod, a smile, a gesture, or another meaningful response. What matters is that they have a way to communicate their answer.

When children learn that their answers matter, they begin to understand that they can make choices and participate in everyday interactions.

What research tells us?

Research on early communication shows that children benefit from having simple, functional ways to respond and participate in everyday interactions. “Yes” gives children a way to confirm what they want, answer questions, and communicate agreement.

When children can communicate both “Yes” and “No,” they have more ways to express their preferences and participate in everyday choices.

Communication does not have to start with perfect words. It can begin with a sound, a head nod, a gesture, a smile, a word attempt, or another meaningful response.

What activities can you do?

You can teach “Yes” through simple everyday questions and choices.

Start with things your child already loves. Hold up their favourite toy or bubbles and ask, “Want bubbles?” If they reach or get excited, model “Yes!” and give them the bubbles.

Use a head nod. When you say “Yes” or “Yeah,” nod your head as well. Your child can begin to connect the word with the gesture and may start using the nod themselves.

Give your child genuine choices. Ask questions where their answer can actually change what happens next, such as “Want the swing?” or “Want another book?” Respond to their answer and show them that their communication matters.

Practise during everyday routines. Use simple questions at breakfast, while getting dressed, during play, or at the playground. Watch for any response, including “Yeah,” “Ye,” a nod, a smile, or a gesture.

Watch the video

In this video, we explore why “Yes” is an important early communication word and how to teach it through everyday choices, questions, and routines. You'll learn how to model “Yes,” use gestures, and create meaningful opportunities for your child to communicate their preferences.

These simple strategies can help your child learn that their answers matter and that they can use communication to make choices and participate.