Eye contact

Eye contact is important for effective communication but can also be difficult for some children. Never force a child to make eye contact with you, careful observation in different situations will help you to understand how the child wants to communicate. A child may demonstrate through their interaction and play that they prefer hand signals, pictures, voice or touch.

To help interaction try

• Peep-po games
• Always calling their name before talking
• Holding a squeaky toy near your face and make a noise
• Making funny faces or winking at your child and waiting for them to look and copy you
• Looking at each other through a cylinder or tube.

Learning

As you repeat familiar interaction games the child will anticipate your action. They may initiate a game or show their pleasure or displeasure when it stops. Gradually you will begin to build a relationship together.

Different kinds of music can be helpful in encouraging interactive play and eye contact. Classical music might promote hand movement and dance whereas African drumming might encourage rocking, body tapping and rhythm.

Record the favourite interaction games in a learning journal or play diary. It will help other adults to engage with the child and identify a communication system that will work.