5 Reasons to Build Communication Skills in Kids

Communication skills in kids are one of the basic foundations of life. It’s the exchange of information to tell us they are hungry, tired, worried, or excited, and all the nuances in between. We often assume kids will “just pick up” how to communicate as they grow. After all, talking seems so natural. But strong communication isn’t automatic; it’s a learned skill that shapes how children think, connect, and succeed. 

From their first words to their first job interview, parents are helping kids build bridges and skills in communication. Every conversation is a building block for how a child learns to express themselves, listen to others, and navigate the world. Here are five ways that building communication skills in kids has bigger benefits than just exchanging information.

Communication Skills Benefits

1. Improves Learning and Understanding
   Strong communication helps kids express what they know, ask questions, and make connections, which boosts learning in all subjects.
2. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem
   Children who can express their ideas clearly feel more capable and less anxious in social or academic settings.
3. Strengthens Relationships
   Good communication helps kids cooperate, make friends, and resolve conflicts more respectfully.
4. Develops Emotional Intelligence
   Talking about feelings and listening to others helps kids recognize emotions and respond with empathy.
5. Prepares for Future Success
   Communication is a core skill for teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving — essential for school, work, and life.

The practical benefits look different at each stage of life. If you have been following my blog, you know that I define those as the younger years, the middle years, and the launching years. Here are descriptors, ways parents and teachers can help, and practical activities for building communication skills in kids at all stages of life.

Building Communication in The Younger Years

In the preschool years, building communication skills in kids means helping children find their voices through play, songs, and everyday conversation. At this stage, kids are learning to express needs, share ideas, and listen to others, all essential for social and emotional growth. 

When adults model clear speech, expand on a child’s words, and encourage back-and-forth dialogue, children gain vocabulary and confidence. Storytime, pretend play, and circle-time discussions are especially powerful tools. Strong communication at this age sets the foundation for literacy, cooperation, and curiosity, the building blocks of lifelong learning.

Talk, Play, and Listen Daily

• What to do: Encourage simple back-and-forth conversations during routines at mealtime, bath time, or playtime.
• Activity: Play “I Spy” or “What’s in the Bag?” to build descriptive language and listening skills. This is great for car trips or running errands, too.

Read, Sing, and Tell Stories

• What to do: Read aloud every day and ask questions like “What do you think happens next?” or “How do you think she feels?” Book suggestions here. https://tailorjoy.com/10-read-aloud-books-for-the-younger-years/

• Activity: Have kids retell a favorite story using toys or puppets. This builds vocabulary and sequencing.

Practice Expressing Feelings

• What to do: Teach emotional words and how to use them appropriately (“I feel sad when…”).
• Activity: Use “Emotion Charades.” Take turns showing a feeling with your face or body and have others guess it.

Building Communication in The Middle Years

During the elementary and preteen years, communication skills help children navigate friendships, teamwork, and growing academic expectations. They begin to organize thoughts, explain reasoning, and listen to differing viewpoints. Parents and teachers can nurture these skills through collaborative projects, debates, and reflective conversations about stories or real-life events. 

Practicing polite disagreement, summarizing ideas, or giving short presentations builds confidence and empathy. Kids who communicate well during these years tend to show stronger reading comprehension, emotional resilience, and classroom participation.

Encourage Discussion and Reflection

• What to do: Ask open-ended questions that go beyond yes/no answers. Ask bout school, friends, or books.
• Activity: Create a “Question of the Day” board (e.g., “If you could change one rule at school, what would it be?”). Get 30 free questions here. https://tailorjoy.com/table-talk/

Practice Listening and Turn-Taking

• What to do: Model patient listening and taking turns to speak in group settings.
• Activity: Use a “talking stick” or soft bean bag in group discussions. Only the holder may speak; others must listen.

Build Team Communication

• What to do: Give kids projects that require cooperation and verbal problem-solving.
• Activity: Do a STEM or escape room challenge where each team must plan and discuss before starting. Get escape rooms here. https://tailorjoy.com/printable-escape-rooms-for-kids/

Building Communication in The Launching Years

For teens, communication becomes a key life skill, shaping relationships, academic performance, and future success. Adolescents need opportunities to articulate opinions, negotiate boundaries, and express emotions constructively. Teachers and tutors can foster this growth through discussion-based learning, journaling, and real-world communication tasks like interviews or speeches. 

Parents can model open, respectful dialogue and active listening at home. When high schoolers learn to communicate with clarity, empathy, and confidence, they’re better prepared for college, careers, and leadership roles in a complex, connected world.

Develop Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

• What to do: Provide opportunities for teens to present, explain, or teach others.
• Activity: Have them prepare a short talk or podcast on a topic they care about. Record and review it together.

Encourage Healthy Dialogue and Debate

• What to do: Teach teens how to disagree respectfully and express opinions with evidence.
• Activity: Host a “mini debate night” or discussion circle on age-appropriate topics (e.g., technology use, school rules).

Practice Real-World Communication

• What to do: Help teens apply communication skills in practical contexts — job interviews, group projects, or volunteering.
• Activity: Role-play a mock interview or simulate asking for help from a teacher or employer. Get a mock interview script here. https://idahotc.com/portals/29/docs/idvr/dvr/6a.pdf

Building communication skills in kids is one of the most valuable investments parents and educators can make. When kids are guided to express ideas clearly, listen with empathy, and handle conversations thoughtfully, they develop confidence, resilience, and stronger relationships. These skills don’t appear overnight; they grow through modeling, encouragement, and practice. We intentionally build communication skills, we give kids confidence, empathy, and a voice that will serve them for life. We equip them with a lifelong tool for learning, leadership, and connection. 

Table Talk: Would you rather have a conversation with a preschooler or a preteen? Who helped you practice for your job interview?

Resources:

Get more life skills activities here. https://tailorjoy.com/10-life-skills-for-the-launching-years/