Early Communication and Mindfulness Strategy All in One!

When we think about supporting early communication skills in our little ones, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We get it. You’re already juggling so much — meals, naps, playtime, and that never-ending pile of laundry. The last thing you need is another task added to your already full plate.

But what if we told you there’s a strategy that supports your child’s communication and helps you feel calmer in your day-to-day life? Yep — it’s possible! And the best part? You’re probably already doing it without realizing it.

Enter: Narrating Your Day

Narrating your day is a simple, powerful communication strategy that helps your child learn language while simultaneously grounding you in the present moment. It’s truly a win-win.

So, what does narrating your day look like?

• As you’re getting your child dressed: “I’m putting on your blue shirt. Look at those tiny buttons! Let’s button them up — one, two, three.”

• While cooking dinner: “I’m stirring the pasta. Mmm, it smells so yummy! I’m adding the sauce now. Look how the colors mix together.”

• During a walk outside: “I hear birds chirping! Do you hear that? Oh! I see a red car driving by. Vroom vroom!”

It’s really that simple. You’re describing what you see, hear, smell, feel, and do — moment by moment — just like a sports announcer calling a game.

Why Narration Supports Early Communication

Narrating helps your child in so many ways:

1. Builds Vocabulary: The more words your child hears, the richer their vocabulary will become. When you narrate, you’re introducing them to new words, sentence structures, and experiences.

2. Teaches Descriptive Language: Describing what you see, feel, and hear helps your child learn about the world around them. For example, instead of just saying “ball,” you might say, “Look at that big, bouncy, red ball!” This helps expand their understanding of language.

3. Models Turn-Taking in Conversation: When you pause after narrating, you give your child a chance to respond (even if it’s just a coo or babble). This is the foundation of conversation skills!

4. Encourages Joint Attention: Pointing out what you see helps your child learn to focus and share experiences with you, which is a key component of communication.

But Here’s the Secret Bonus: It Grounds You Too

Now, here’s where it gets really beautiful. Narrating your day doesn’t just benefit your child — it benefits you too.

When you narrate, you’re forced to focus on what’s happening right now.

• You’re noticing the soft touch of your child’s shirt as you dress them.

• You’re smelling the warm scent of dinner cooking.

• You’re hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot during a walk.

And guess what? When your mind is fully focused on what is instead of what was or what’s next, you’re practicing mindfulness.

That’s right — narrating your day can become a mindfulness practice that helps reduce anxiety, stress, and mental clutter. You can’t think about that mountain of laundry or tomorrow’s to-do list if your mind is fully immersed in describing what’s happening right now.

It’s communication support AND mindfulness — All. At. Once.

Don’t Aim for Perfect — Just Be Present

The goal isn’t to narrate every single second of your day. The goal is simply to catch moments when you can narrate — while playing, eating, driving, or cuddling on the couch.

The beauty is that these small moments of narration create powerful ripples. They support your child’s language development and train your brain to stay in the present moment, reducing the mental load that so often weighs us down.

So next time you’re changing a diaper, playing with blocks, or washing dishes — talk out loud about it. Describe it like you’re narrating a movie. And notice how it feels in your body when you stay present.

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have you tried narrating your day as a way to support your child’s communication and your own mindfulness? How did it go for you? Did you notice any changes in your child or in your own mental space?

Leave a comment below — we’d love to hear about your experience or any questions you have about early communication and mindfulness!

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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