Time with your children is so precious. They learn their language from you. They learn how to talk. They learn their place in the world. They learn to value their achievements. They learn from you.

When you find time to explore with your child, outdoors, indoors, making, doing and playing together, you’re giving them quality time they need.

This tip can help them develop their language even if they are struggling, while supporting their self esteem.

Here’s an activity you can do for two-three minutes at a time (really, not all the time).

Have you ever watched a sports commentator talking about how the athlete is doing, praising their moves, commenting on their skills, and commenting on their successes and achievements?

Children love that too.

Johnny’s hitting a nail with a hammer.

He’s so tall.

He’s so strong.

Johnny is squeezing through the gap between the branches.

He’s so clever.

He’s so careful.

Build into your commentary the words that you would like your children to grow into.

Include words like over, under, through and between to help them know where their body is in the world.

Leave out any negativity. Support them.

Even if there is only one thing they do well in the day, recognize that one thing and soon it may become two or three or four.

So to recap, explore with your child. Watch them exploring and support them by giving a running commentary.

Emphasize everything they do really, really well.

And keep it short. Keep it sweet.

Three minutes. It’s enough.

If you are very brave, ask them to do the same for you. We can all do with a bit of positive affirmation every day.