What your child will discover
Help the child connect internal needs with simple communication. Teach that the child can ask for food, water, help, rest, comfort, attention, space, the toilet, or an activity to stop.
Lesson 094 of 300
How Do I Say What I Need?
Replace grabbing, hitting, or prolonged frustration with simple words, signs, pictures, or gestures for food, water, rest, help, comfort, space, or attention.
2–3 yearsEmotions & SafetyAdult guided
Emotions & Safety · KnowledgeForKids.com
Listen together · adult controls the audio
The spoken lesson
"You can communicate what your body or mind needs. You may say, sign, point, or use a picture. You can ask for food, water, help, rest, comfort, attention, space, the potty, or for something to stop. Your caregiver listens and repeats the useful word or sign. You do not need speech before your need matters. Sometimes a caregiver cannot give the exact thing you request, especially when it is unsafe. The caregiver explains and offers a safe choice. You can show what you need, and your caregiver listens." DESIGN REQUIREMENTS: Use spoken, signed, gestured, and picture-based communication equally. Avoid speech-only scoring, delayed care, withholding communication tools, or pressure to repeat phrases perfectly.
Words to notice together
I NEEDFOODWATERHELPRESTHUGSPACEPOTTY
Make it real
Pause, point, name what you notice, and connect the idea to something familiar in your child's day. Repetition, a calm voice, shared attention and dependable care matter more than finishing quickly.