Send questions about the podcast or communication development to [email protected].

Skills that develop in Level Four include knowing that people who go away still exist, so your child is more likely to cry when you leave. Your child will also be uncomfortable with strangers.

Your child also notices the results they get from their actions. They do a lot of testing out actions to see what will happen.

Your child wants to do more things independently. They help with dressing activities, try to feed themself, and use an object to help soothe themself. This growing independence supports their motivation to use communication to have an effect on others.

Your child can participate more independently when they know what to expect next. A routine gives them confidence in knowing the next step of a process. It also helps feel comfortable transitioning from one activity to another.

Today's activity: Examine your daily activities to see what routines you can use to help your child participate more independently.

Use these charts as a checklist for your child's progress.

Visit www.TheInteractionCoach.com to see the directory of speech-language pathologists licensed in your area. If you can’t find one in the directory, contact me at [email protected] and I’ll track down someone for you.