Receptive language is often learned by adulthood, unfortunately, it requires a lot of practical experience to be successful. Your body receives messages; it is required to gain information from simple routines too. For example, a young child brushes their teeth before bed. Every night they go through the routine and eventually, their minds know once they brush their teeth, it’s time to get ready for bed. If a child cannot understand that routine, they may have issues with receptive language. 

So, what do you need to know about receptive language and children?

Simple Examples of Receptive Language Difficulties in Children

A child sees his mother put on her shoes and coat, yet he doesn’t understand she will be leaving soon. The truth is the child does not fully comprehend or understand the mother is getting ready to leave. It’s a serious issue because the child might become upset at the action.

Visual information isn’t the only area children can struggle with receptive language. For instance, words and sounds can present a challenge too. A child might not understand a young dog is called a puppy. The child could believe it was two different animals. 

• Grammar
• Shapes
• Colors 
• Sizes
• Shapes

These are all areas in which a child can struggle if their receptive language skills are limited. Some only understand certain phrases or words that are accompanied by gestures. It’s very damaging to the child. Fortunately, these skills can be improved. 

Why do Children and Adults Require Receptive Language Skills?

Communication cannot happen without receptive language; it’s as simple as that. Children must learn receptive language skills so they can progress in their development. If a child cannot understand receptive language, it will make their lives tougher. For instance, children may find it difficult to learn in school which could create behavior problems. Even simple activities could be impossible for the child if they don’t have receptive language skills. 

The Signs Your Child Has Receptive Language Issues

There are a few things you need to keep a close eye on, those include:

• The Child Being Unable to Follow Basic Instructions.
• The Child Can’t Listen or Take in A Story
• The Child Has Difficulty with Speaking or Listening
• The Child Lacks Attention or Focus
• The Child Can’t Answer Simple Questions

Of course, younger children might have difficulty because they haven’t developed their communication skills yet. 

Act When you Suspect your Child Needs Extra Help

Parents and guardians must be proactive in their approach to the education and the basic development of a child. Far too many children struggle through life because they don’t have receptive language skills. It hampers their ability to learn and complete everyday tasks. You need to act when you think there may be a problem so that the child can learn. 

Can Other Issues Occur with Receptive Language Difficulties?

Parents don’t realize that receptive language difficulties may just be the start of their child’s problem. Children develop at different speeds; some excel while others fall behind. It is nature and some children are given the best tools to succeed at an early age. The reality is that when a child has trouble with receptive learning, it makes it incredibly difficult to excel in other areas.

For example, a child may not be able to concentrate on certain tasks and may develop behavior problems. Social skills could also become issues in the child’s development. Higher thinking and sensory skills evade the child, and it can be difficult to express themselves. Auditory processing and planning can be foreign subjects to a child too.

These difficulties are incredibly tough on a child because it hampers their growth and development. Some children won’t be able to do the basics of tasks because they lack focus and can’t process what needs to happen. 

How to Help the Child Develop Receptive Language Skills?

• Give Clear Instructions. 
• Don’t Overload the Child with Several Instructions, Keep to One at A Time.
• Keep Eye-To-Eye Contact Before Giving a Child an Instruction.

Children often need help to develop their receptive language skills and you can do your part too. For instance, sit the child down and tell them exactly what you want them to do. So, the information sinks in. While the first few attempts mightn’t be completely smooth, eventually the child can follow the instructions. 

• Use Visual Aids

Children sometimes need visual aids to show them what to do. It’s sometimes the more useful way for children to learn and retain information. So, give them a visual aid to guide them. 

• Interact with the Child

Playing games with the child is crucial to developing their receptive language skills. For instance, pick up toys and talk to them about what you are doing. It can encourage the child to understand the actions with the words. 

• Remove Background Interference 

Children best learn when they have a quiet environment, so when they’re at home, switch off televisions and radios. You only need to do this when you’re interacting with the child; this removes the unnecessary distractions. 

• Read Books with the Child

It’s important to read books with the child. You can, however, talk about the story and point out pictures. It might let the child unleash their imagination and retain focus on the story too. 

How to Improve Receptive Language?

It’s possible to improve receptive language through simple tasks. For instance, cleaning can prove a useful exercise for children as they use motor skills to develop receptive language. It’s the same with playing games, such as naming objects. If you go to the shops, ask the child to draw a picture of their day out. It could help them develop their skills. 

Games, such as Eye Spy, can be useful to learn about objects, items, and colors. Simon Says, is another great game. ‘Simon Says stomp your feet.’ It’s a fun game to play and may help your children develop their receptive language skills. Games encourage children to learn, and they are more likely to join in too. Or you could create an obstacle course and great fun guessing games. 

Why Seek Therapy for your Child?

Therapy is probably not something you want to seek out for your child; however, it could prove crucial. For instance, therapy could allow the child to strengthen or even develop their engagement abilities. Children could learn how to follow instructions and complete academic tasks. Social skills and interactions can be learned too. 

Parents don’t like the idea of therapy because they think it singles their child out, but it can be useful to them. It could develop reading and writing skills, along with cognitive abilities. There are opportunities to learn communication skills and find healthy outlets for children to express their emotions too. 

What Could Children Face Without Therapy?

Positive social interactions might be completely out of the child’s depth. It could mean they aren’t able to form friendships or any social relationships with teachers or family members. Children may be unable to take part in tests, and exams, even at lower levels. So, while therapy doesn’t always appeal to parents, it does have its uses. 

Which Type of Therapy is Best?

You may want to speak to a speech therapist to help a child with receptive language problems. Of course, occupational therapy could help too. It all depends on the specific difficulties of the child. 

Seek Help to Help your Child

Children are resilient, but they can easily fall behind when they lack basic social skills. It is important to pick up receptive language problems early. Parents or teachers need to act fast so that the child has every opportunity to improve their skills and development.