Following are some simple elements of the RDI® Program which you can do with your child in your everyday interaction. These elements focus on changing how you communicate with your child.

• Slow down your speed of talking and give your child more time to process what has been said; and
• Wait for your child to respond.
• Limit the amount of verbal language directed at your child and increase your use of non-verbal language.
• Increase and amplify the use of non-verbal language, e.g. gestures, facial expressions, pausing and body language.
• Limit questions, commands and prompts to 20% of what is said to your child.

Try and aim to achieve a ratio of 80% experience sharing communication versus 20% manipulative communication. This is not easy to do but with practice you can improve and increase your use of experience sharing communication.

Examples of experience sharing and manipulative communication.