Choose a topic below for simple ideas and activities that can be used with child today. Each topic offers a variety of tips, videos, and resources you can use in everyday moments with your child.
If you’re taking part in the smalltalk program, select the topic recommended by your facilitator.
Warm and Gentle means responding to your child in a warm, caring and calm way. Having a positive relationship with your child helps them build language, thinking, social and emotional skills.
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Tuning In means noticing what your child needs and responding with care. When you tune in, your child feels understood, learns to manage their emotions, and builds strong, positive relationships as they grow. Use these resources to notice your child’s cues, respond with care and build early communication skills.
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Follow your child’s lead by joining their play and discovery without taking over. When you follow your child’s interests and have fun together, you help them stay focused and engaged in learning. Use these tips and videos to connect with your child through play.
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Listening and Talking More means having conversations with your child and making language fun. You can tell stories, say nursery rhymes, sing songs and talk about what you are doing during the day. When you talk together your child learns new sounds and words, and practices paying attention and taking turns in conversations.
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Teachable Moments means using everyday routines and experiences to help your child learn something new. When your child shows interest in something, you can turn it into a teachable moment. Use these ideas and activities to help turn everyday experiences into fun learning moments for your child.
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Reading together helps children enjoy books from a young age. When you read with your child, they learn new words and ideas, understand stories and discover how books and print work. Reading together also gives you time to talk and connect. Chat about the pictures, make up your own stories, or share memories and experiences linked to the book.
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Babies and toddlers learn best through play, talk and everyday moments with the people who care for them. Screens can be part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle — especially when you watch or use them together with your child and talk about what you see and hear. The key is to make sure screen time does not replace play, conversation, movement and connection.
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Simple daily routines — like mealtimes, bath time and bedtime — help make home life more predictable and help your child feel safe and cared for. Routines also help your child learn new skills, build confidence and become more independent. Use these tips and ideas to build routines that work for you and your family.
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Sharing your family’s culture and traditions helps your child feel secure, connected and proud of who they are. Rituals and traditions also strengthen family relationships. Use these ideas and tips to connect with your family’s culture and traditions.
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When you make time to look after yourself, you can better notice your child’s needs and respond to them. Caring for yourself is not a luxury — it is an important part of caring for your child. Self-care looks different for everyone. Start with basic needs like eating nutritious food, drinking enough water and getting enough rest. You can also take small moments for yourself, like drinking a hot cup of coffee or walking around the block.
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