Moments that matter

From talking and singing to playing games, small everyday interactions with your baby or child can make all the difference to their growing brains.

Making the most of everyday moments to nurture your child’s growing brain will help develop their communication and language. You’ll also be giving them a strong foundation for school and beyond.

These are Moments that Matter. Whether they’re listening to you talk or playing games and singing songs, babies and children respond to every bit of stimulation you can give them… even when they’re too young to say much back!

Here are 10 Moments that Matter that take just a few minutes and can make all the difference to your child’s development. They don’t need to take time, cost money, or involve lots of planning.

Remember: Moments that Matter can happen anytime, anywhere.

10 Moments that Matter

1. Take a moment to… talk to your bump

Talking and singing to your baby bump during pregnancy can help your baby’s brain to develop before birth.

Dads can get involved too! Babies respond to different voices – so by talking to the baby bump, dad’s voice will be familiar when the baby arrives.

2. Take a moment to… share your home language

Did you know that children are able to understand and interpret many languages from an early age?

By speaking to them in your home language, you’ll give their learning and development a boost – all while creating a connection to you, your family culture and community.

3. Take a moment to… copy my sounds and words

Copying your baby’s sounds can help you bond with your baby and help their language along the way.

When we copy our baby’s sounds, we’re encouraging them to talk to us in their own way. Next time your baby babbles to you, try asking a question and waiting for a response. Before you know it, they’ll be chatting away!

4. Take a moment to… cheer your little ones on

Praise your child and watch their faces light up! By encouraging and praising even the smallest things your child does, you’ll make them more likely to try new things and experiences.

Praising your child will help them feel good and make them confident – and it will make you feel good too!

5. Take a moment… to let me lead

Children are curious and eager to explore. Follow their lead and play along with them, and they’ll become more confident thinking for themselves and being creative.

Encourage them in different ways, like smiling, laughing, and sharing their attention.

6. Take a moment to… talk to me

Babies and toddlers start learning, understanding and reacting to words early – long before they say their first word. You may not think your small child understands you, but this is the age when they are putting the first building blocks of language together.

Everyday moments like shopping, bath time and getting dressed are great opportunities for talking and connecting. You could describe what you are doing (“I need to get potatoes for dinner”) or describe what your child is doing (“you’re playing with the big boat”), and these small moments will help them to understand language.

7. Take a moment to… sing and say your way

Singing songs and rhymes are a fun way to help your child learn new words and sounds – and get them active too!

You don’t need to be a great singer – your baby will love it anyway. Try some songs or rhymes at the bus stop, in the supermarket, or in the bath.

8. Take a moment to… be kind to yourself

Parenting can be tough. Try to focus on the things you’re doing well and take time out when you can. You’ll feel better and more able to have positive interactions with your children.

Help is there if you need it. Our Family Hubs are there to help you get the support you need with parenting. You can get help and advice or even just meet other parents for a chat. There’s lots for children to do too. Visit Family hubs for more information.

9. Take a moment for… quiet and calm

With so much going on around us, it’s good to find opportunities to enjoy quiet time. Peace and quiet can help your baby and child to focus on your words and notice sounds that they sometimes miss.

10. Take a moment – anytime, anywhere

Everyday opportunities for learning are there from the moment your child wakes up to when they go to sleep. Anytime, anywhere, whether at home or out – every little interaction helps, and it all adds up.

Why this matters

Many children in the UK are starting school with delayed communication and language skills.

The ideas shared on this page can make a positive impact, laying a strong foundation for your child's journey through school and beyond.

These Moments that Matter are designed to seamlessly fit into your routine, making it easy to create special, meaningful moments wherever you are. Embrace these simple activities, knowing that each one contributes to your child's bright future.

Want to learn more? Join our friendly parent and carer groups

If you’d like to learn more about how you can use everyday moments to support your child’s development, come along to one of our Sharing REAL programmes for parents. These are friendly and welcoming groups for Lewisham parents run from your local Family Hub or Children and Family Centre. Find out more and register your interest.