The Secret to Chatty Kids? Sometimes, It’s DoingLess.

April 15, 2026
7:16 am

The Secret to Chatty Kids? Sometimes, It’s DoingLess.

In my practice, I’ve found that the best “therapy” doesn’t always happen at a desk. The real magic starts when we follow a child’s lead. When we join their world through child-led play, engagement skyrockets—and language follows right behind it.

The Art of "Friendly Sabotage"

Once a child has a good base of words, they can get a bit “comfortable.” To nudge them further, I use communication sabotage.

Try creating tiny hurdles that give them a reason to talk:

The “Hard-to-Open” Box: Put a favourite toy in a container they can’t unzip or unscrew.
The Missing Piece: Hand over the bubble wand but “forget” the bubbles.

These moments turn a passive activity into a powerful opportunity for communicative intent. They need to ask for help, protest, or negotiate—skills they’ll use every day in the classroom or on the footy field.

Remember to - SOUL

Sometimes the simplest tool is the best. It’s an INREAL strategy I’ve used since Uni called SOUL:

Silence
Observe
Understand
Listen

In a busy world of school runs and NDIS goals, giving a child “thinking space” can be hard. But when we stay silent and truly observe, we give them the room to find their own voice. You don’t always need to have the answers; sometimes, you just need a “hard-to-open box” and the silence to let them speak first.

If you’re looking for more ways to turn everyday moments into communication wins, we’re here to help. Reach out to Happy Therapy today to chat about your child’s NDIS goals.