Help Your Child Use Words & Navigate Transitions: A Simple Language Strategy That Works

Have you noticed your child seems to understand more language than they use, and that leaving places or changing activities triggers bigger reactions than you’d like? If so, you’re not alone. Many children who find it challenging to understand or use words also struggle with moving from one part of the day to the next. At NewDay Child Coaching, we believe in simple, everyday strategies that support both language growth and smoother transitions.

In this post, we’ll walk you through one easy yet powerful language-learning strategy designed for real life and perfect for helping your child better use words and feel more confident when it’s time to leave a play area, a favorite toy, or move to the next activity.

Help your child: Why Language + Transitions Often Go Hand-in-Hand

Language development and transitions share a surprising connection: when a child has fewer words or less comfort with switching tasks or places, each challenge can amplify the other.

• Research shows that children with language delays—meaning they struggle to understand words (receptive language) or use words (expressive language)—are at greater risk for frustration, behavior struggles, and delayed social/academic progress. PMC+1

• At the same time, specialists describe transitions (e.g., leaving the park, finishing playtime, shifting to snack) as vertical or horizontal changes in children’s daily flow—each one offering stress and opportunity. ERIC+1

• When a child doesn’t yet have the words to express “I’m done playing” or “time to go”, they may protest, meltdown, or resist.

• By combining language support with transition-friendly structure, you address both: the why (the words) and the how (the change).

The Strategy: “First-Then Talk + Visual Cue”

What it is: A two-step approach you can use at home, in childcare, or on the go:

1. Use a “First–Then” phrase to build language structure and predictability.

2. Pair it with a visual cue or gesture to support understanding and transition.

Why it works:

• The “First–Then” phrasing helps children structure what’s happening: e.g., “First we clean up the toys, then we go to the car.”

• The visual cue (picture card, gesture, timer, or simple board) gives extra support for children who struggle with processing words alone.

• This combination helps children anticipate what’s next (reducing anxiety or resistance) and gives them the language to express it.

• When repeated across daily routines, it builds familiarity, comprehension, and confidence.

How to Implement It: Step-by-Step

1. Choose a transition moment that happens regularly: e.g., leaving the playground, finishing screen time, moving from snack to nap.

2. Introduce the phrase before the transition:

   “First we finish our food, then we go outside to play.” Say it calmly, clearly.

3. Show the visual cue:

   • Use a picture card showing snack → play

   • Or use gestures: one hand acts as if it is picking up food and bring to the mouth (food/snack) then the gesture for play is given, making a "Y" shape with your hand.

   • 

     sign/gesture for food/eat/snack

     

     sign/gesture for "play"

4. Encourage participation:

   • Ask your child: “First food? Then play?”

   • Wait for any non-verbal response (nod, vocalization, gesture).

   • Then move to the “Then” part.

5. If language is very limited, simplify further:

   • Use: “Food —> Play”

   • Add gesture + picture + your voice.

   • Over time, build in more words: “Then outside to play.”

6. Celebrate the transition:

   • When the move happens smoothly: “You listened so well! You finished your food and went to play. Yay!”

   • When it’s hard: Pause, empathize, and try again tomorrow.

7. Repeat daily: The predictability matters. The more consistent you are, the more children anticipate, engage, and internalize the pattern.

Putting Language & Communication in Everyday Moments

• Narrate what you’re doing: “We’re cleaning up the blocks. Then we’re going to the car.” Pro-Tip: Sing the "Clean Up" song as you help your child put away their toy.

• Model the words yourself and invite imitation: “My turn to say it: First blocks, then car.”

• Let your child finish the phrase when they’re ready: “Then — ___?”

• Offer choice within the transition when you can: “First snack or first drink? Then outside.” Choice = language + ownership.

• Use simple sound-rich words early: “Go!” “Again!” “More?” These build toward full phrases. Pro-Tip: Remember to combine your words with signs/gestures.

When to Seek Extra Support

If you’ve been consistently using this strategy and you’re still seeing any of the following, consider reaching out for help:

• The child understands very little, makes almost no attempt to use words, or uses fewer than expected words for their age. (Recall that roughly 7% of children ages 3-17 have a language disorder. NIDCD+1)

• Transitions regularly result in extreme meltdowns or lasting resistance.

• The child demonstrates other developmental concerns (e.g., limited social interaction, unusual play patterns). Early support from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or early childhood intervention team can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Helping your child use words and navigate transitions doesn’t require a month of training. It begins with a simple two-part phrase, a visual cue, and consistency in your day.When your child starts saying their version of “First food… then play,” you’ll know the strategy is working. You’ll also see fewer struggles at move-time and more of those calm, connected moments you’re striving for.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Needing Support? You’re Not Alone

We believe parents should feel empowered, not overwhelmed. If you’ve got questions or want to learn more:

• Leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you!

• Join our Facebook Subscribers Group for just $0.99/month to access expert Q&As and exclusive content

• Follow us on Instagram for helpful tips and real-life examples

• Check out our YouTube channel for bite-sized videos packed with practical strategies and longer tutorials where we provide you important information

• Listen to our Walkin’ The Talk Podcast on iTunes or Spotify.

  
  

And remember, early support isn’t just intervention—it’s prevention, empowerment, and connection. And it’s never too early to be curious, ask questions, and seek guidance. We’re here for you, every step of the way. 🍼👣✨

With heart,

The NewDay Child Coaching Team

Rachel Lynn, SLP: Communication and Swallowing/Feeding Guide 🩷

Dr. Amber Michelle, PT: Physical Development Guide 💚

Amanda Rae, OT: Fine Motor, Sensorimotor, Sensory/Feeding Guide 💛

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