Strategies to boost shared engagement with your child

5 Simple Strategies to Boost Shared Engagement With Your Child

Shared engagement is one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s development. It’s that moment when you and your child are fully tuned in to each other, which could look like laughing, exploring, playing, or simply enjoying a moment together. These shared experiences lay the foundation for communication, connection, and learning.

If you’re looking for simple ways to increase engagement at home, here are 5 effective strategies to try:

1. Follow Your Child’s Lead - One of the best ways to connect with your child is to show interest in what they are interested in. Whether it’s playing with cars, stacking blocks, or flipping through the same book for the tenth time—join in and explore it with them.

Why it works: Children are more likely to stay engaged when they’re doing something they love, and they notice when you’re genuinely interested.

2. Get Face-to-Face - Sit at your child’s level so you can see each other’s faces clearly. This helps your child notice your facial expressions, gestures, and speech sounds—all of which are important for communication development.

Tip: Try lying on the floor during playtime, sitting across from them at the table, or positioning yourself beside them during daily routines.

3. Pause and Wait - Instead of jumping in with questions or instructions, pause and give your child time to respond. Count to five in your head if you need to! This creates space for your child to take a turn, make a sound, reach for a toy, or look at you.

Why it matters: Waiting shows your child that you value their communication, even if it’s nonverbal.

4. Use Parallel Talk and Self Talk - These are simple language strategies you can use during everyday activities:

●      Parallel Talk: Describe what your child is doing (“You’re stacking the blocks!”)

●      Self Talk: Describe what you are doing (“I’m pouring the water.”)

This gives your child language models in a natural way, without the pressure to respond.

5. Add Something Unexpected - Once you're engaged in an activity, add a small twist. Maybe the toy dog says “moo” instead of “woof,” or the bubbles land on your head. These small surprises can spark laughter, eye contact, and shared joy.

Bonus: Moments of shared humour are great for building connection.

Building shared engagement is about slowing down, being present, and joining your child in their world. There’s no need to overthink it—just connect, respond, and enjoy the time together. Even a few minutes a day of shared interaction can make a big difference.

Amy Cannon - Speech Pathologist at Kids Inspired