Their story starts with you

It's never too early to start reading and chatting together

Parents and carers, what you do when you are at home with your child has a powerful impact on their little lives. You are helping to shape your child’s future speaking and listening skills, develop a love of reading, and grow in confidence as a reader. These literacy skills will help them in both their education and support their wellbeing.

Don’t feel overwhelmed! It's often hard to know where to start, especially with a baby, but there are lots of little moments that are already happening every day without you even noticing which are contributing to your baby’s early language development.

Every smile, cuddle, chat and game makes a huge difference.

Even a daily babble is having a big impact. Spending time chatting to your child – right from birth! – is crucial. Children like repeating sounds, so let them babble to you as if you’re having a conversation. Tell them stories about things you see on the bus and talk to them about what you’re doing when cooking.

Books are a great conversation starter

Reading and sharing stories with your baby, and as they grow up, builds their language and communication skills from the very start.

It doesn’t matter if you’re not a big reader or very confident – just looking at the pictures, pointing out animals or asking them what’s going on in a picture are all part of developing those crucial literacy skills. This special time together not only gives you a moment to unwind before bedtime or naptime but helps babies and toddlers learn new words and understand how to use them.

These little moments together can make a big difference.

Their story starts with you.

Tips and activities to try at home

Discover helpful tips, guides and videos to build your confidence and introduce new and fun ways to chat and read with your child.

Part of Early Words Matter led by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with WHSmith.