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 […]

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. […]

28 Experiences to Build Language

It’s no surprise as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I try to find opportunities to build language everywhere I go. Introducing our children to new experiences help expand those skills, and keep it fun! Just by talking and reading to children throughout our daily routines, we expose our young children to millions of words daily! Children […]

Fall-Themed Language Building

Ah, Autumn- A beautiful changing of the seasons! Although Fall weather doesn’t come until late in Texas, it doesn’t stop us from embracing all things pumpkin-spiced. Another great thing about a new season is the opportunity to build vocabulary and language. Check out our Fall favorites! You already know books are our favorite for language! Here’s […]

Managing Power Struggles

When it comes to power struggles between caregivers and children, I’ve been looking for answers like many parents. Much of my research includes recommendations like: “Stay strong and be firm. You are the boss.” “You just have to be consistent. Children need to respect you.” “Stand your ground. Don’t give in or they will take […]