Saying “Hi” and “Bye”
Here's What To Do
1
Play a hi/bye game by saying "hi" and "bye" to:
- Cars on the street.
- Animals passing by.
- A jack-in-the-box or other pop up toy.
- Pictures in a book as you turn the page.
- Each other in the mirror.
2
Model saying "hi" and "bye" throughout the day. I learn from watching you.
3
Invite me to try saying (or waving) "hi" and "bye" throughout the day.
4
Keep it fun and low pressure. It can be harder for me to answer if I feel like I need to "perform."
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Wave "hi" to me before we start.
E
Engage:
- "Hi doggy! Can you wave hello?"
- "Hi car, bye car! Hi bus, bye bus!"
E
Encourage:
- Encourage me to wave hello and goodbye, especially if I'm not wanting to say it out loud.
- I may start saying "hi" to strangers when we're out and about, and might get disappointed if they don't reply (though many will!). Explain that it’s okay to say “hi” and “bye” anyway!.
R
Reflect:
- Am I able to say or wave "hi" and/or "bye" in the right context?
Not quite ready?
Practice learning to wave bye-bye first.
Ready for more?
Practice other gestures to help me communicate, like “up” and “down”.
As your child masters this skill...
They will spontaneously say or wave "hi" and "bye" without a prompt from an adult.