As parents, we often over-talk—over-explaining, over-correcting, and drifting into long tangents that soon turn into noise for the child. Much of what children learn comes not from words but from what they see and feel.

Non-Verbal Communication is the language of gestures, expressions, tone, and proximity. Research suggests that nearly 80% of our daily communication is non-verbal, while only 20% is verbal. Children absorb this instinctively when we model it.

NVC helps young children read emotions, it reinforces behavior, builds confidence. It complements speech, reduces misunderstandings and creates a supportive atmosphere. It helps children grow into balanced social beings. 

Positive NVC deepens trust and connection. A warm smile, eye contact, gentle tone, or a simple hug conveys security and love. Meeting the child at their eye level, mirroring their emotions, or offering gestures like a nod, wink, or thumbs up can speak louder than words.

NVC is especially powerful amid noise, distance, or strong emotions. This does not mean silence, but mindful speech, paired with non-verbal cues that affirm understanding and support.

Families can strengthen NVC through simple practices like guessing games with expressions, watching silent cartoons like Tom and Jerry, experimenting with tone, and respecting personal space and touch.

Ultimately, too much talk can overwhelm, fostering dependence and fatigue. Try NVC along with short sentences and one-step instructions for a more mindful, relaxed, and meaningful connection with your child.

We as parents tend to talk too much to our children. We over explain, over correct, and sometimes the habit of over-talking goes off at a tangent which becomes noise to the child. 

It is important for children to learn NVC and the best way to teach it is by example. So, what exactly is NVC? It is the use of body language, facial expressions, and physical proximity to express ourselves, rather than talking. Research shows that in everyday life, 80% of our communication involves our actions and gestures and 20% our words. 

Positive NVC strengthens our relationship with our child. Eye contact, hugs, smiles, warmth in our voice, speak of love and understanding. Bending to the child’s level makes her feel secure and cared for. If your child smiles, smile back. If she is sad, nod and look sad yourself. Use a relaxed body posture, expression, and tone of voice. If your child likes to be cuddled, give them many cuddles. If they don’t like physical contact, clap, wink, give a thumbs up, nod, smile. 

If we stop and tune into what the child is saying, we teach them to listen. When we smile and make eye contact, we show them how to relate warmly to others.

NVC helps when distance and noise make it difficult to talk. Gestures and facial expressions will reassure and affirm support. This is not to say you don’t talk to your child at all. Do talk but not unnecessarily. 

NVC skills can be improved as a family through guessing games like giving expression clues. Watch non-verbal cartoons like Tom and Jerry and discuss what’s going on. Talk in different tones of voice, loud, inflection and pitch. The is known as paralinguistics, which is different from language.  Personal space is important when talking to someone, so is touch, as discussed earlier. 

To sum up, too much talk and advice hinders cognitive development. It promotes dependence. It causes exhaustion for both parent and child and reduces mindfulness. Try NVC along with short one step directions for a meaningful. relaxed interaction with your child.