Your child needs to learn the power of communication and how they can use it to get the result they want. When you consistently respond to their meaning, you reinforce their use of language. Reinforcement strengthens the skill, as they are more likely to use it in the future. Today’s activity: When your child uses a gesture or sound in a consistent way, always respond to the meaning you think they intend. Model gestures or signs frequently to give lots of examples of what they mean and when to use them