Children’s level of interest can often determine their engagement in any activity. Therefore, it is important to observe and follow their lead. Parents should take note of their interest and try to create play activities that will sustain their interest. The more engaged they are in an activity, the greater the opportunity there will be for language acquisition.

Research has shown some forms of maternal directives, such as those that facilitate the child's engagement in ongoing activity or interests, have been associated with better child language outcomes. However, directive language that changes the child's focus or has the primary goal of directing or managing the child's behaviour has been shown to slow down pace of children’s language development because they do not encourage them to respond or contribute verbally.