The Power of Words: Helping Children Express Themselves with Confidence

Why words matter more than we think

As a parent, there’s nothing more heartbreaking than watching your child struggle to express themselves. Whether it's the frustration of not finding the right words, shutting down during homework time, or coming home in tears after an uncomfortable moment at school, it can feel overwhelming—both for them and for you.

Between ages 6 and 12, language becomes more than just a tool for communication. It shapes how children solve problems, build friendships, advocate for themselves, and navigate their emotions. At this age, the ability to express thoughts clearly can impact everything from academic success to emotional resilience. So how can you help your child feel more confident with words, when those words don’t always come easily?

Understanding what’s really going on

Sometimes, what looks like a “behavioral” issue or disinterest in school might actually be a difficulty with verbal expression. If your child hesitates to raise their hand in class, clams up when asked open-ended questions, or gets overwhelmed during writing assignments, it's possible they're grappling with the invisible weight of unclear self-expression.

These struggles can come from various sources—processing delays, anxiety, a lack of vocabulary, or challenges transitioning from oral to written language. For a deeper understanding of how these skills evolve, take a look at our article on oral vs. written language development in children aged 6–12.

Turning everyday moments into language-building opportunities

Helping children become better expressers isn’t about adding more homework to their plates. It’s about embedding rich, empowering language experiences in day-to-day life—especially during the moments that already matter most.

For example, car rides can be transformed into engaging learning sessions through conversation and storytelling. Asking "How would you describe your day using only three words?" or "What’s something funny one of your classmates said today?" opens the door to reflective speech. Want a more structured way to do this? Here’s how to use audio stories to turn commutes into learning moments.

Activities like preparing dinner together, doing crafts, or bedtime rituals are also meaningful opportunities for children to narrate, describe, and question. The key is in asking open-ended questions, truly listening, and modeling reflective language yourself.

Reading and listening: building expressive muscle

If you’ve ever heard your child repeat a line from their favorite show word-for-word, you’ve seen their memory and expressive language skills in action. But what happens when we give them deeper, richer language to absorb?

Reading aloud is powerful—but so is listening. Audiobooks and audio stories, especially those crafted for children, can expose young minds to advanced vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and emotionally nuanced characters. These tools help children build an internal database of language they can draw from in their own expression.

The LISN Kids App is a good example of this kind of resource. With its curated collection of original audiobooks and audio series designed for kids aged 3–12, LISN Kids helps children hear stories across a range of voices, emotions, and tones. It’s available on iOS and Android.

Listening can become a gentle, non-threatening way for children to engage with language before they’re ready to speak or write at the same level themselves. It’s especially helpful for kids who may feel anxious or discouraged when asked to express themselves out loud.

Make room for feelings, not just words

Often, children struggle to express themselves not because they lack words, but because the emotions behind those words feel too big. Creating a safe, empathetic space where children can name and explore their feelings is just as important as working on grammar or vocabulary.

You might say, “It looked like you got really frustrated with your math homework today. What part felt the hardest?” instead of “Why didn’t you finish it?” Shifting from judgment to curiosity helps children feel safe enough to open up and try.

This approach is key at bedtime, when the protective walls of the day come down. Telling a story together, reflecting on the highs and lows of the day, or listening to a bedtime audio story can soothe anxieties and make space for language development. Not sure where to start? Explore how bedtime stories can strengthen language skills.

Patience, not pressure

Supporting a child’s communication is not about rushing toward perfection. It’s about helping them build confidence in their voice, however it sounds. That journey may sometimes feel slow or inconsistent, but that’s okay. Every sentence shared, every new word explored, every story heard becomes a brick in the foundation of their expressive world.

If you have concerns about your child’s language development—for example, if they seem much less verbal than peers or have persistent trouble forming clear sentences—it may be time to speak with a specialist. In the meantime, here are some insights on what healthy language development typically looks like and how you can support growth at home.

Remember: you're their model and mirror

Children learn language in large part by watching and listening to the adults they trust most. Your conversations with them—however ordinary—are shaping their sense of identity, how they talk to themselves, and how they share themselves with others.

Whether during car rides, grocery trips, or quiet moments before sleep, your words matter. Your listening matters too. Together, they can help your child feel seen, heard, and more ready to meet the world with the courage to speak up.

And that, truly, is the power of words.