Social Words & Greetings
Teaching hi, bye, please, thank you
Social words are among the most motivating for toddlers because they get immediate responses from everyone around them.
Expert SLP Commentary
MA, CCC-SLP
Social words work because they're embedded in natural routines that happen dozens of times a day. Practice 'hi' and 'bye' at every door, 'please' and 'thank you' at every handoff. The key is consistency across family members and settings.
SLP Tip
Social words are 'power words' — they work in every situation. A child who can say 'hi' and 'bye' gets smiles from everyone, which reinforces more communication.
This Week's Video
What to watch for:
Watch how social words are modeled in natural contexts, not drilled. The child learns because saying 'hi' gets an enthusiastic response.
Teaching Social Words by Speech Sisters on YouTube
Refrigerator Card
Download PDFPrint this and stick it on your fridge for quick reference.
At doors and transitions
Wave and say 'hi' or 'bye' at every entrance and exit
Example:
Every time you walk through a door or someone arrives/leaves, wave and model the word. Make it a game.
Tip: Exaggerate your wave and make eye contact. The bigger the gesture, the more likely they'll imitate.
During handoffs
Model 'please' and 'thank you' when giving and receiving items
Example:
"Hand me the cup? Say please! Here you go — thank you!" Use a singsong voice.
Tip: Don't withhold items until they say the word perfectly. Model it and move on — pressure backfires.
With family and friends
Recruit everyone to respond enthusiastically to social words
Example:
Tell grandparents, siblings, and babysitters to make a big deal when they hear 'hi,' 'bye,' or 'thank you.'
Tip: The more people who respond warmly to these words, the more motivating they become for your child.
Educational Content Only
This content is for general educational purposes. It does not replace a professional evaluation or constitute medical advice.