Model More, Ask Less: Helping Your Child Build Communication Confidence by Reducing Questions

A common habit we develop as adults—especially when trying to support language—is asking lots of questions:  “What’s that?”  “What color is it?”  “Can you say dog?”

While asking questions might seem like a good way to get your child talking, too many questions can actually do the opposite—especially for young children or those with language delays.

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Why Can Too Many Questions Be a Problem? 

Questions often put pressure on your child to perform. Instead of focusing on the fun of the moment, they may feel like they’re being quizzed or tested. This can lead to:

• Short, one-word answers

• Frustration

• Withdrawing from the interaction

  
  

Young children learn best through connection, not correction.

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What Can You Do Instead? 

✅ Try commenting more than questioning.

A comment gives your child information and language without expecting a response. This makes interactions feel more relaxed and enjoyable—and still supports language learning!

For example: 

Instead of asking, “What’s that?” 

You can say, “It’s a big truck! Wow, it’s loud!”

Your child still hears rich language, but without the pressure to answer. And often, when the pressure is off, children are more likely to join in!

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Let’s Look at Some Real-Life Examples

Here are a few ways to shift from questions to comments in everyday routines:

Mealtime:

• ❌ “What are you eating?”

• ✅ “You have apples! Crunchy apples—yum!”

Playtime:

• ❌ “Is that a truck? What color is it?”

• ✅ “It’s a big red truck! Vroom, vroom!”

Book Reading:

• ❌ “What’s happening?”

• ✅ “The dog is running! He looks so happy!”

Hygiene Activities:

• ❌ “Do you want bubbles?”

• ✅ “Bubbles! Pop, pop, pop!”

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Remember:

The goal isn’t to stop asking questions entirely—but to balance them with more comments and connection. When you model language in a relaxed, playful way, your child is more likely to listen, learn, and eventually talk back or respond.

No pressure. Just connection.