At Therapy Matters, we believe every child’s voice deserves to be heard, valued, and nurtured—and it takes a whole community to make that happen.
That’s why we’re excited to launch our new initiative: Communication Matters Community
This initiative is built on one powerful truth: when families, educators, neighbours, and community members work together, we can build a communication-rich world for every child—especially those who need extra support.
Here are 10 meaningful ways we can all support children’s communication development, drawn from what we know works best:
1. Create safe, nurturing, and responsive relationships
Children learn to communicate best in environments where they feel safe, seen, and supported. Warm, responsive relationships are the foundation of all communication.
2. Prioritise connection, not just compliance
A calm, regulated adult helps create a calm, regulated child. Before asking for compliance, make sure your child feels connected, emotionally supported, and attuned to. Connection fuels communication.
3. Be grounded, mindful, and distraction-free
Put down the phone. Minimise screen time. Children benefit from the full attention of an adult who is present, curious, and emotionally available. Moments of quiet connection are where communication truly grows.
4. Talk with your child and follow their lead
Get on their level. Talk with them, not just to them. Let their interests guide your conversations. When a child feels heard and understood, their language blossoms.
5. Read books together—often
Reading together builds vocabulary, listening, attention, and imagination. It also builds connection. Read daily, repeat favourite stories, and don’t worry if your child wants to read the same book ten times!
6. Be curious together—wonder out loud
Ask questions. Wonder aloud. Let your child explore answers and come up with their own. Curiosity is contagious—and it’s the heart of expressive language and critical thinking.
7. Share life experiences and stories as a family
The more shared experiences you have—walking in nature, cooking, doing puzzles, playing games—the more stories your child has to tell. Everyday moments create meaningful conversations.
8. Support your child through challenges with empathy, patience and words
Life brings frustration and big emotions. Knowing what to say and how to be with your child during these moments, takes patience and understanding. Seeing the challenge through their eyes with empathy and talking with them so they can put into words what has gone wrong, builds trust and resilience.
9. Offer rich, supportive social learning opportunities with other children
Playgroups, kindergartens, community events—all these experiences help children learn how to communicate, collaborate, and connect with others. They’re powerful practice grounds for communication. Being social with others take time and practice to learn the nuances of interactions. Children won’t always get things right which is part of learning how to be with others. They need support, encouragement and perspective to navigate these learnings in a safe, nonjudgemental space.
10. Be inclusive—value diversity, difference, and all the ways children communicate
Every child deserves to feel like they belong. That means celebrating not only differences in background and ability, but also the many ways children express themselves—through words, gestures, facial expressions, visuals, or communication devices. When we value how a child communicates as much as what they communicate, we open up space for connection, confidence, and community.
Why “Communication Matters Community”?
This initiative is about more than just communication—it’s about creating a connected, compassionate, and capable community, one child at a time.
Our speech pathology team is here to empower families, educators, and local champions with knowledge, tools, and support.
Here’s what the initiative includes:
✅Free community resources (tip sheets, posters, conversation starters)
✅Local workshops and events for parents, educators, and carers
✅Opportunities to connect with our team and learn more about child development
✅Spotlighting “Communication Champions” in our community
Together, Let’s Build a World Where Every Child Can Flourish
You don’t need to be a speech pathologist to support communication. You just need to be present, intentional, and open to connection.
Because in our community, what you say—and how you listen—matters.
Want to get involved or learn more?
Visit https://therapymatters.com.au/community to download resources, sign up for a workshop, or join our growing network of families and professionals who know that a Communication Matters Community can make a difference.
