A new expert-led guide, Communicating with children in the early years: Building brains, bonds and confidence, is launching to support parents, carers and professionals in understanding the way we communicate with children in the critical early years shape a child’s development. From birth to five, a child’s brain develops at an extraordinary pace, laying the foundations for emotional wellbeing, language, learning and relationships. The guide shows how the words adults use – alongside tone, body language and responses – can have a lasting impact on how children think, feel and see themselves.
Developed in collaboration with child and adolescent mental health expert Dr Fiona Pienaar and Norland, the world-renowned specialist early childhood education and care higher education provider, the guide translates the latest research into practical, easy-to-use advice. It highlights how small, everyday moments – from conversations on the playmat to calming a child at bedtime – can help children feel safe, valued and understood, supporting confidence and resilience long into the future.
Why early communication matters
The guide explains how rapid brain development in the early years makes children especially sensitive to the language and behaviours around them. With a focus on key concepts such as “serve and return” interaction, emotional regulation and executive functioning, it offers insight into why young children may struggle with emotions and how supportive communication can help them thrive.
It also provides age-specific guidance – from before birth through to the preschool years – alongside practical tips for handling common situations such as managing big emotions, encouraging cooperation and building confidence.
Dr Fiona Pienaar, child and adolescent mental health expert, said:
“The early years are such a important period in a child’s development. The way adults communicate with young children quite literally shapes the architecture of the developing brain. Warm, responsive interactions help build the neural pathways that support emotional regulation, learning and resilience. This guide empowers parents, carers and professionals with simple, evidence-based strategies that can make a profound difference to a child’s lifelong mental health and wellbeing.”
Dr Janet Rose, Principal at Norland, added:
“At Norland, we have long understood the importance of nurturing communication in the earliest years. What might seem like small, everyday moments – listening, responding and talking with encouragement, and playing – are in fact powerful opportunities to support children’s development. This guide brings together research and practice to give families and professionals the confidence to connect with children in ways that are calm, respectful and developmentally appropriate.”
Jessica Bondy, founder of Words Matter, said:
“The words we use with children become the voice they carry inside themselves. This guide is about helping adults feel confident in those everyday interactions – especially in moments that can feel challenging. Being present, kind and consistent is so important. When children feel seen, heard and understood, they’re better able to learn, grow and thrive.”
Practical support for everyday life
Grounded in science but designed for real life, the guide includes:
- Simple techniques to build strong communication from birth
- Tips for supporting language development at every stage
- Guidance on responding to children’s emotions with empathy and clarity
- Examples of what to say – and what to avoid – in everyday situations
- Advice on creating a positive, language-rich environment
It also emphasises the importance of self-care for parents and carers, recognising that supporting children starts with supporting the adults around them.
Availability
The guide, Communicating with children in the early years: Building brains, bonds and confidence, is available alongside a free online course, Words Matter: How to Communicate with Children so they Thrive, offering further support and guidance.