Every whānau is different, but many of the most meaningful moments happen in the same way – through everyday conversations, shared experiences, and time together.
On this page, Northland parents, caregivers, and whānau can share simple ideas, small wins, and the moments that helped them connect with their tamariki.
From bedtime chats and story time favourites to screen-free swaps and playful discoveries, these stories are a reminder that connection doesn't have to be complicated.
Because some of the best ideas come from families just like yours, feel free to share your ideas using the form provided.
We have 3 young children and we are always trying our best to talk and connect with our Tamariki as much as possible, which is not always easy as we are both working parents.
Your Talk with Children videos have been really motivating, and a good reminder of the importance to keep connecting and talking with our Tamariki.
I also wanted to share some of things that work in our whanau, with our children:
I’m loving keeping up to date with the ideas and information shared on the Talk With Children Facebook and Instagram pages and the prompts in the ‘Get Talking’ section of your website – so thank you!
Over the last couple of months, his language has absolutely boomed. It has brought us so much joy hearing him find his voice, learn new words and start putting words to the people, animals and things he sees around him.
Our little boy is 21 months old and our first baby, so as parents we’re learning right alongside him. We don’t always know what to expect or what we should be doing at each stage, especially when it comes to supporting his language and communication.
Over the last couple of months, his language has absolutely boomed. It has brought us so much joy hearing him find his voice, learn new words and start putting words to the people, animals and things he sees around him. It feels like every day there’s something new.
The Talk With Children ideas and resources have been really helpful in showing us that encouraging his language doesn’t need to be complicated. So much of it happens through the everyday moments we’re already sharing as a family.
We talk and connect while we do things together - washing the dishes, putting out the rubbish or sorting the washing. We point out every animal we see, from birds in the trees to worms on the ground, and talk about what they’re doing. In the car, we talk about where we’re going, who we’re going to see and what we’ve done that day.
As first-time parents, the Talk With Children resources have given us lots of simple ideas and the reassurance that these little everyday chats matter. They’ve helped us understand how we can encourage our boy to use his voice, build his confidence in communicating and keep making talking and connecting a natural part of our days.
Watching his language grow has been such a special part of this stage, and we’re loving being able to share in his excitement as his world and his words get bigger.
