Power Words for Toddlers
THE WORDS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Have you ever been in a moment where your toddler is trying to tell you something, but you just can’t figure it out? The frustration builds, the whining starts, and suddenly you’re playing detective, running through every possible guess— Do you want a snack? A toy? Are you tired?
I’ve been there. And I know so many parents who feel the same way. But what if I told you that helping your child communicate doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game?
That’s where power words come in.
WHAT ARE POWER WORDS?
Power words are the essential words toddlers need to express themselves. These words have meaning, purpose, and—most importantly—they get results.
Think about this: when your toddler says help, you know exactly what to do. Whether they need help opening a snack, reaching a toy, or putting on their shoes, that one word allows them to communicate what they need without frustration.
That’s the beauty of power words—they work in multiple situations, they get a response, and they empower your child to communicate independently.
What Kind of Words Should I Focus On?
A mix of nouns (people, places, and things) and verbs (action words) gives your child the most bang for their buck.
Here are some everyday power words:
NOUNS: mommy, daddy, sister/brother, cup, snack, milk, a favorite stuffed animal
VERBS: help, go, up, all done, more, eat, drink, open, again
While nouns are important, verbs tend to be the most powerful!
Why focus on verbs? Because action words get an immediate response. When a child says help, we step in. When they say up, we lift them. That immediate reinforcement encourages them to use the word again.
Making Power Words Work for Your Family
Every family has its own set of meaningful words. Maybe your child’s favorite stuffed animal isn’t just a bunny —it’s Bun Bun. Maybe their grandparent isn’t just Grandma—it’s Nana or Oma.
The goal isn’t to pick the perfect words; it’s to choose words that matter most to your child and your family.
So how can we start using power words more intentionally?
Easy Ways to Help Your Child Communicate with Power Words
MAKE A PERSONALIZED POWER WORD LIST.
Grab a piece of paper and split it into two sections:
✏️ On the left, list important nouns (favorite foods, toys, people, routines).
✏️ On the right, list verbs your child can use daily (go, help, more, yes, no, all done).MODEL POWER WORDS THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Use power words naturally throughout the day. If your child is reaching for a snack, say “Oh, do you want more?”If they’re struggling to open something, say “Need help?” This gives them the exposure they need to learn.
TRY THE 2-1-1 GAME PLAN
This simple approach helps you incorporate learning into your daily routine. Each day, focus on: 2 basic concepts, 1 power word, and 1 strategy.
GET THE PLAY GUIDE
Want an easy way to jumpstart your child’s communication? Our Play by Play Guide walks you through creating your own power word list and includes 50+ game-changing words to boost communication. Head to the Shop and get started!
We all want to make communication easier for our little ones. By focusing on power words, we’re not just teaching them to talk—we’re giving them the confidence to express their needs, make choices, and feel understood.
And that? That’s a game changer.
