10 Simple Everyday Phrases to Boost Your Child's Language Skills at Home

Why little expressions make a big difference

As a parent of a developing child, you're probably juggling a dozen things—homework battles, after-school routines, managing emotions, all while trying to keep the peace at home. If your child is between 6 and 12 and struggling with language or communication, it can feel overwhelming. One small, often overlooked tool? Your everyday conversations.

Language isn’t just learned in books or classrooms—it’s absorbed through daily, intimate interactions. The way we speak at home, the words we use, the questions we ask—all of these plant seeds. And over time, those seeds grow into stronger vocabulary, better sentence structure, and more confident expression.

How using simple phrases can build confidence

When your child hears the same expressions regularly in natural settings, they begin to internalize them. Repetition isn't boring—it's reassuring. Routine phrases create structure and opportunities for conversation, offer modeling for sentence construction, and invite your child to respond.

Here are ten gentle, go-to phrases you can start using today, along with insights into how each one nurtures your child's language development in authentic, everyday moments.

1. “Tell me more.”

This open-ended invitation encourages elaboration. Instead of settling for one-word answers, this phrase prompts storytelling. After school, if your child says, “Recess was fun,” resist the urge to move on. Try: “Tell me more. What made it fun?”

It shows interest, teaches descriptive language, and helps shy or quiet kids feel heard. For more ideas on helping reserved children express themselves, check out this guide for encouraging shy kids to talk.

2. “That reminds me of…”

Modeling is powerful. When you relate their stories to your own experiences, you demonstrate narrative skills. You’re showing your child how to connect moments, compare feelings, and describe events. It’s more than just chatting—it’s teaching through storytelling.

3. “What do you think will happen next?”

Perfect during storytelling, game time, or even TV shows. This question targets prediction skills, imagination, and sequencing—all core components of expressive language. It encourages your child not just to listen but to think critically and articulate possibilities.

4. “I noticed you used a big word—can you teach it to me?”

Children love feeling like experts. Turning the tables and asking them to explain or teach gives them confidence and cements their knowledge. It also opens space for clarification and refinement of meaning.

5. “Let’s act it out.”

Roleplay isn’t just for toddlers. Acting out situations—shopping, bedtime routines, silly made-up games—builds expressive vocabulary and social communication. It’s especially helpful for kids who struggle with abstract concepts or organizing ideas.

6. “Oops! I said it wrong. Let me try again.”

This might seem counterintuitive, but modeling self-correction shows that mistakes are part of the process. When you fix your own sentence or word choice, you’re not just teaching grammar—you’re teaching resilience and self-monitoring.

Worried about your child making speech errors? Here’s what to know when children mispronounce sounds.

7. “What would you do if…?”

Start imaginary scenarios at dinner or in the car: “What would you do if you could fly for a day?” These questions encourage narrative structure, creativity, and negotiation of new vocabulary—all in the spirit of play.

8. “Let’s make up a story together.”

Telling stories doesn’t have to be one-sided. Try co-creating a story at bedtime or while waiting in line: “Once upon a time, there was a small...?” This not only helps with sentence structure but also with taking conversational turns and building sequences.

For more ideas, here are five simple language-boosting strategies you can try at home.

9. “Can you describe that for me without pointing?”

We all rely on gestures. But inviting your child to “explain with words” challenges them—in a gentle way—to access vocabulary and practice descriptive abilities. You’re pushing them just enough to stretch their skills, without pressure.

10. “Want to listen together?”

Listening models fluent language and sparks conversation. Audiobooks and audio stories are a great shared activity. They offer rich vocabulary, diverse sentence structures, and conversation starters. After listening, invite thoughts: “What did you like?” or “What do you think the character felt?”

Apps like LISN Kids (Android / iOS) provide age-appropriate, original audiobooks and series designed for kids ages 3 to 12. They're a meaningful way to weave language-rich stories into everyday life—while cooking, driving, or just winding down at bedtime.

Let language learning be a natural part of your day

You don’t need a degree in speech therapy or a suitcase of flashcards to support your child’s communication. Often, it’s the simplest language we use every day that makes the biggest impact. Inject these small expressions into your routines—not as a checklist, but as tools to connect.

If you’re wondering whether your child’s language development is progressing as it should, you might find reassurance or next steps in this article on when to be concerned about speech development.

And if you're looking for screen-free ways to engage your child's language, don't miss these language-building educational games.

In the end, children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and heard. Your words, your presence, and your patience are more powerful than you think.