Speech and language skills play a huge role in how toddlers communicate, connect, and learn. When parents worry about why their child isn't talking as expected, they are often told to "wait and see", which doesn't sound very reassuring. As child development...
As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I’m often asked about the best toys for boosting children's language development--especially around the holidays. Toys are more than just fun; they can help language development by: encouraging communication building...
Okay so there are hundreds of articles on the internet about this, but I'd like to drop in here with my two cents about finding the best toys for your little one, that can also impact development. You are not going to find a list of toys you should go out and buy,...
When I first started working as a speech language pathologist, I packed up a bag with toys and went out into the world, hoping that the shiny objects I carried from home to home would make language magic happen. Spoiler alert: It didn't work. One of the biggest...
Your child has their first words. Hooray! Now comes a new worry: You can't understand your toddler. You're probably wondering, "Okay, what the heck is he saying?" Don't worry. This is completely normal. When Should I Be Able To Understand My Toddler? As a general rule...
Summer vacation is upon us, but this year looks a little bit different. As camps across the country announce virtual camps or a modified summer, and public pools state that they will not be opened, parents are left to find activities to entertain their children while...
These are unprecedented times we are living in. With the global pandemic ever present, many families find themselves at home, together, at all times. This presents challenges in the best-case scenario, but add in a child with a disability and you are doomed—or so you...
It is so important to socialize toddlers during quarantine. Socialization is critical for toddlers' cognitive and language development. Babies are social creatures. From the time they are born, infants are looking for their caregiver's eyes. Within the first few...
You've heard the words early intervention before, but it seems confusing. A pediatrician tells you that they are free services for children aged birth to 3. Your friend from Gymboree tells you that the only way to qualify is to have your child evaluated right before...
During the first year of life, your new baby will take the journey that brings him from a crying ball of mush to his first words. It is exciting, breathtaking…and nerve-racking as you ponder whether all this is normal. As part of my new parenting series, I...
I’m here to show you how to bring out your child’s unique voice using simple, easy to follow strategies that work for you and your family.
