Language Learning In Real Life
If you’re wondering how to support your child’s language development, I have a secret for you: You don’t need more toys. You don’t need a fancy playroom. Nope, not even more hours in the day. You just need language learning in real life! In everything we do, there are opportunities for language and learning. Language can […]
A Parent’s Guide to Tongue-Tie
The information and resources in this article are not a substitute for professional advice. If you have concerns about your child, seek help and support from an appropriately qualified practitioner. What is a tongue-tie? Most simply put, tongue-tie or Ankyloglossia, is a common condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s ability to move […]
Creating Connection While Apart
Humans depend on connection with others, but it can be more difficult to stay connected during times of change. New transitions can be difficult for our children to process. Maybe it’s moving to a new city, being apart from family, starting a new school, or having loved ones live far away. Thankfully, there are many […]
Ultimate Guide of Ways to Prepare for Play
I often hear parents complain their child won’t play alone, or will only play with a toy for minutes at a time. They are frustrated with so many toys scattered around the house, with children never helping put them away. There’s pressure to entertain kids all day with endless toys, and the store toy aisles […]
Home Tour – Prepared Spaces for Child Independence
A child’s home sets the foundation for healthy social-emotional development, language and literacy learning, and overall well-being. Having accessible and inviting spaces in the child’s home fosters increased independence, confidence, and opportunities for connection. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I help families prepare spaces in their home to promote language during daily routines. This leads to […]
5 Steps to Set up the Home for Child Independence
Be sure to download the free worksheet to jump start setting up your home for your child’s independence, complete with examples! It used to seem like my toddler would need my help for Every. Single. Thing while we were at home. He would become angry when I couldn’t help immediately. He started giving up trying […]
Why You Should Prepare Your Home for Child Independence
As a speech-language pathologist serving families at home, a large part of my job is helping to create daily routines and physical spaces that enriches language development and positive interactions. We know a child’s home environment has profound effects on development, learning, behavior, and well-being (1). Parents have the opportunity to prepare the home to […]
How to Support Children through Change
All children will experience change in their lives, whether it’s a new sibling, a different school, or just learning to become more independent. Often, these transitions can cause big feelings in their little hearts. How we respond and support children in these moments set the foundation for their development and positive relationships later in life. […]
How to Connect with Your Baby
Many parents describe absolute bliss snuggling their sweet new baby right after birth, but sometimes the feelings of doubt creep in when we try to soothe a crying baby. One of my babies had “colic” which resulted in relentless crying and endlessly long days in her first few months. No matter what we tried, she […]
5 Ways to Be a Responsive Parent to a Newborn
Responsive parenting (also called “sensitive” or “gentle” parenting) views young children as capable and independent beings and respects their developing autonomy. One of the leaders of responsive parenting with newborns is Magda Gerber, founder of the RIE philosophy. She teaches “respect and trust in the baby to be an initiator, an explorer, and a self-learner.” […]