Parents often ask me how to get their child to open up more, to have conversations.  Well, first of all, not every child is “chatty”, and some are more “chatty” than others.  But, there are ways to get a shy child to open up.  As the adult, you can “extend the topic” by giving more information.  Your child may respond to that.  You can relate present experiences to past experiences and give your child some extra detail.  They may remember that and talk to you about it.  You can give your child reasons for why something is happening so that they can begin to understand cause and effect.  If you explain the outcome, it will give your child something to talk about.  You can give your opinions and talk about how/why others may have other opinions.  This may encourage your child to talk about their own experiences and opinions.  Talk about your feelings as things are happening.  If your child gives you a big hug, tell them that makes you feel good and happy.  When you are reading to your child, talk about the book and encourage the child to talk about the book.  You can help your child to describe something that just happened.  This will give your child new vocabulary.  Your child will have new words to use to talk to you about their experiences.  You can talk about pretend things, silly things. Children love silly things.  If you can talk about silly things and get your child to get silly with you, you will open up a whole can of worms!  Your child may make up some silly words and you can ask your child what those mean.  Make up a story with your child.  You can start it and then ask them “what next”?  You may just be surprised by what your child comes up with!