8 Ways to Use Natural Consequences
One of the tenets of Positive Discipline is to practice providing natural consequences for children “misbehaving.” A natural consequence is anything that happens as the result of an action or inaction. For example, if it’s raining and you forgot your umbrella, you get wet. When you don’t eat, you get hungry. When you don’t tend […]
Positive Discipline: Punishment vs. Discipline
“Discipline” and “Punishment” often are used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing. When we hear “discipline,” you may picture a child’s behavior in need of correcting. However, did you know the word “discipline” comes from the Latin word ‘disciplina,’ which means teaching? Somewhere along the way, “discipline” changed from “teach” to “punish.” Learn more about […]
Misbehavior and Connection
There are many ways we describe it – meltdown, tantrum, misbehavior, noncompliant, resistant, defiant, out of control. The never-ending whining, power struggles, back talk, fighting, and screaming. All of it undesired behaviors we often see in children. When our children act out, we can feel embarrassed, disappointed, inadequate, or even resentful. We may feel terrible […]
FAQs about Using Language-Building Strategies at Home
We shared our go-to strategies for helping children learn to use words and increase language skills. But, what if you’re still struggling? As much as we believe in caregivers’ ability to do great language building at home, we also realize sometimes it just doesn’t work the way you thought it would. You’re not alone! Even […]
10 Strategies to Help Children Talk
If you’re looking for ways to help your child talk, you’re in the right place! Please note: This article and it’s content, including linked articles, is for educational purposes and is NOT a replacement for intervention from a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) or professional medical advice. If you are concerned with your child’s speech and […]
Facts about “Late Talkers”
When caregivers start asking questions about their child’s language development and late talking, speech-language pathologists hear answers like this all. the. time. “Don’t worry – he will talk when he’s ready.” “She’s just a late talker, she will catch up.” “Boys talk later than girls, he’s fine.” “She’s just letting big brother talk for her.” […]
Which setting is best for therapy?
Sorting through the many options your child has when it comes to speech therapy can be overwhelming! So, let’s break it down to help figure out what’s available in each setting when it comes to your child’s needs. Speech-Language Pathologists Across Settings First, it’s important to note: All speech-language pathologists (SLPs) must meet the same basic […]
Pretend Play
Research indicates there are several risk factors for delayed language skills, developmental delays, and cognitive delays. One of the risk factors is decreased pretend play skills. Pretend play begins to develop around 12-18 months, but isn’t mastered until 3-5 years. What is pretend play? Children develop pretend play skills later, after functional play and constructional play […]
Top 20 Everyday Non-Toys for Language Development
Why is it that I’m always more excited by a new toy than my toddler? He’s perfectly happy with the diaper wipe box, kitchen utensils, and my scarf. Actually, most of his favorite play things aren’t toys at all. The everyday items he finds around the house and yard are where his creativity, curiosity, and […]
Helping Parents and Children with Independent Play
I’ve come to absolutely love playing with my toddler. His little belly laugh is delightful and his imagination surprises me daily. But as a first-time parent, I thought play had to be extraordinary to be “right” and that allowing independent play was lazy on my part. Admittedly, I’m not super creative and don’t set aside […]