When children are small, joining at their eye level encourages communication and understanding.

When you are face to face with a young child, like the lady in this photo, the child is likely to be delighted.  There’s such a difference between being eye to eye and having the adult tower over the child.  You, the adult, are choosing to be close and at the child’s level.  This closeness builds the relationship between the two of you.  The closeness demonstrates that you are interested in what they are doing.  And, you can be certain that you have the child’s attention!

Should you have an itty bitty child playing on the floor for tummy time, join the fun at her eye level.  Get down on the floor!  The view from the floor is amazing!  Then, describe with your words what your younger child does.  These need not be long narratives.  Short descriptions of movements build  language skills.  For instance, the baby kicks a toy on the thunder dome.  Your excited response could be, “You kicked the ball!”

If your child is playing in his high chair, sit nearby at eye level.  Pull up a chair so you can notice the subtle things that are happening.  Things will be happening because little ones rarely sit like little statues.  Joining at eye level lets your child see you and hear you better.  You can also notice subtle things that your little one does to communicate since you are so close.  Again, describe, describe, describe….and enjoy!