Is Your Child Struggling to Understand or Use Words? Do they struggle with leaving places too? Try This Simple Language Learning Strategy That Even Helps with Transitions!
- Rachel Lynn, SLP
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 24
If your child is having difficulty understanding or using words, you’re not alone! Many parents wonder how to encourage language development in a way that feels natural and engaging. The good news? We have a strategy that not only supports language learning but also strengthens social skills and even helps with transitions—like leaving the playground without a meltdown!
Tip #1 - The “Hi & Bye” Language Learning Strategy
This approach is simple yet powerful. Every time your child wakes up, greet familiar objects in their room by saying “hi” while waving. For example:
“Hi, blanket!”
“Hi, light!”
“Hi, window!”
At nap time or bedtime, use the same objects to say goodnight:
“Bye, blanket.”
“Bye, light.”
“Bye, window.”
By consistently pairing words with gestures, your child will begin to understand the meaning of “hi” (when we see someone or something for the first time) and “bye” (when we are leaving but will see them again).
Tip #2 - A Game-Changer for Transitions
One family shared how this strategy made a huge difference at the playground. Instead of facing tears when it was time to leave, their child began waving and saying “bye” to the swings, slide, and sandbox. Knowing that “bye” doesn’t mean forever—it just means “see you later”—helped her transition smoothly without a fuss.
Tip #3 - Why This Works
This strategy taps into three key areas of development:
Social Skills – Learning to greet and acknowledge objects and people builds early social awareness.
Language Development – Repeating the words “hi” and “bye” in different contexts strengthens word understanding and usage. As the child becomes familiar with those words, pairing them with objects in their environment (I like suggesting to begin in their room, or wherever they sleep), will help them gain familiarity with those words and objects. Eventually, your child will begin to recognize the words you say as you say them. Your child might begin to look at the object, or point to it, as you say its name. Finally, your child will begin to say the words themselves, as you've taught them the routine.
Transitioning Between Activities – Recognizing that “bye” means something will return helps children move on without distress.
"What helps with language learning? Repetition, repetition, repetition." – Rachel Lynn, Speech Langauge Pathologist
Give It a Try!
Have you tried a similar approach with your child? How did it go? If you haven’t, are you ready to try a language learning strategy that supports social skills, language learning, and smoother transitions all in one? Let us know how it works for you!
Looking for more tips to encourage communication and development? Stay connected with NewDay for expert-backed strategies that make parenting just a little bit easier!
Team NewDay Child Coaching
Rachel Lynn: Communication and Swallowing/Feeding Guide
Amber Michelle: Physical Development Guide
Amanda Rae: Fine Motor, Sensorimotor, Sensory/Feeding Guide
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