Giving positive nonverbal messages can improve your relationship with your child and develop emotional connections in your family. Most children love being hugged and kissed, for example. This warm and caring body language sends the nonverbal message that you want to be close to your child.

Some children with special needs - for example, children with autism and sensory sensitivities -might find body contact difficult.

On the other hand, negative nonverbal communication for example, a grumpy tone of voice or a frown - when you're doing something fun together might send the message that you don't really want to be there.

So matching your verbal and nonverbal communication makes your words more effective. For

example, a teacher might explain a maths problem using her hands to show size and shape.

But when verbal and nonverbal messages don't match, your child might believe the nonverbal after all, what you see is what you get. Your child learns a lot about nonverbal communication by watching you. For example, if you approach new people in a relaxed way, your child is more likely to do the same.