Improving Communication and Peer Connection
- Jul 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16, 2025
When Words and Friendships Feel Just Out of Reach
Some children are full of thoughts, ideas and curiosity, but struggle to share them with the people around them. Others may talk clearly but have trouble forming friendships, joining in play or reading social cues. As a parent, this can feel confusing. You may wonder why your child seems to be falling behind, or why they feel more comfortable alone.
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we know that communication is more than just talking. It’s about connection, expression and being seen. Through personalised care, Dr Charmaine Teo supports children and their families in building the foundations of communication and peer relationships in a warm, child-centred way.
Communication Grows Beyond Words
Children begin expressing themselves long before they speak, from eye contact and gestures to shared smiles and sounds. As they grow, communication evolves into storytelling, conversation and social play. But for some children, this path unfolds more slowly or unevenly.
You may notice:
Delays in first words or short phrases
Difficulty understanding simple instructions
Reliance on pointing or sounds instead of words
Talking mostly to adults, not peers
Repeating phrases from books or shows without clear meaning
Avoiding or struggling with group play
These signs don’t always mean something is wrong, but they may mean your child could benefit from early support.
How Communication Shapes Connection
Children use communication to join play, solve problems, ask for help and share joy. Without it, they may feel isolated or misunderstood, leading to frustration or withdrawal.
Some children:
Want to play but don’t know how to start
Prefer to play alone even when others are nearby
Speak well but struggle with tone, facial expression or turn-taking
Seem unsure how to make or keep friends
These challenges can affect confidence in school, participation in group activities, and emotional well-being.
A Supportive Approach to Growing Skills
At Joyful Seeds, we begin with listening. Every child has their own way of communicating, and we aim to understand that first, before offering guidance.
Dr Charmaine Teo works closely with parents to:
Understand the child’s communication milestones and daily experiences
Observe language use during play and social interaction
Explore any challenges with peer connection or classroom settings
Provide simple, supportive strategies to use at home
Coordinate care with speech or occupational therapists when helpful
There is no rush. Progress is built with patience, trust and ongoing encouragement.
Helping Families Take the Next Step
Parents often feel uncertain, is this just a shy phase, or something more? We’re here to guide you through that question, offering clarity and calm at each step.
What to expect:
A warm consultation that respects your child’s pace
Observations that highlight both strengths and needs
Ideas you can try at home to encourage social sharing and joint attention
Support through transitions, like preschool or group settings
Recommendations for therapy, screening or developmental support when needed
Even small changes, like more eye contact, imitation in play, or a child calling a peer by name, can be meaningful signs of connection.
Everyday Support for Meaningful Progress
Families often ask how they can help their child connect. Small steps make a big difference, such as:
Using picture books to model expressions and simple sentences
Practising short games that involve turn-taking
Creating calm, predictable routines with moments of shared attention
Narrating your child’s world: “You’re stacking the blocks, so tall!”
Celebrating their efforts, even before their words come
By responding to their cues with interest and warmth, you help your child build communication that feels safe and meaningful.
A Path Toward Confidence and Connection
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we support children in building more than just vocabulary. We help them develop the ability to connect, express themselves and enjoy being part of a shared world.
Through thoughtful developmental support, Dr Charmaine Teo works with families across Singapore to nurture these skills from the earliest stages, so that children not only find their voice, but begin to use it with joy.
Book a Developmental Assessment with Dr Charmaine Teo
