One of the resources I reference most often is finally here for our community! 🎉 I've uploaded my 10 Skills That Support First Words guide. It's designed to help you look beyond just "Is my child talking?" and start noticing the communication skills that develop before and alongside first words. Take a few minutes to go through it and see which skills your child is already using and which ones are still emerging. Then come back here and let me know: 👉 Which skill surprised you the most, or which one are you hoping to work on next? I'll be checking the comments and answering questions! 💛

Research shows that gestures are not “just gestures.” They are an important part of early language development. Before children start using two-word phrases, they often communicate that same type of message by combining one word with one gesture. This shows they are starting to combine two ideas, even if they are not using two spoken words yet. This was actually a topic that came up in our first Classroom meeting when we talked about helping children move toward independent two-word phrases. Gesture + word combinations can be an important step in that process. Examples: - Pointing to crackers + saying “more” - Reaching up + saying “mama” - Pointing to the door + saying “go” - Holding out a toy + saying “help” - Pointing to bubbles + saying “open” - Waving + saying “bye” - Pointing to a dog + saying “woof” - Giving you a cup + saying “milk” - Pointing to a car + saying “dada” - Holding up a shoe + saying “on” These gesture + word combinations can be a sign that your child is getting closer to using two-word phrases verbally. So when your child points, reaches, waves, or shows you something while using a word, treat it as meaningful communication and model the next step. For example, if your child points to crackers and says “more,” you can model: “More crackers!”

One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “Where should I start?” There are so many strategies for building speech and language that it can feel overwhelming. The truth is, you don’t need to use everything at once. To make this easier, I created a Start Here Communication Checklist based on the strategy roadmap I use when teaching parents how to support early communication. The checklist helps you identify: - where your child might currently be in their communication development - which type of strategy may be most helpful to focus on first *It's attached A few important things to remember: - These strategies are not meant to be used one at a time or in isolation - Many of them work together and build on each other - The goal is simply to choose a helpful place to focus first Inside the Classroom, I demonstrate each of these strategies step-by-step in the Strategy Video Library, including exactly: - what to say - how to use them during play - how to use them during everyday routines If you want to see what these strategies actually look like, you can explore the classroom here: 👉 classroom link Many parents start with: - Follow Their Lead - Verbal Routines - Pausing & Waiting But wherever your child is starting from, there are strategies that can support them. Hope this helps you feel a little more confident about where to begin 💛

This resource introduces some core speech and language strategies we (SLPs) use in early intervention and speech therapy. Making small shifts in your communication can support communication before, during, and after first words. The attached resource contains an overview of: ✔ Parallel Talk & Self Talk ✔ Recurring Phrases ✔ Strategic Pausing ✔ Following your child’s lead ✔Repetition ✔ Pairing gestures and signs with words These are simple, powerful tools you can use today. Important: This Is Just the Beginning This resource is an introduction. In the Premium Classroom launching March 2nd we’ll go much deeper into: - Exactly how to use each strategy step by step - What it looks like with various children - How to troubleshoot when your child is not responding - Video examples of many more strategies - Support for children with delays, autism, and late talking If you’ve been wanting more structure and clearer guidance, that’s where we’re going. For now, start here. Read through the attached resource and pick just one strategy to try this week. More coming soon 💛

I put together a handout on picky eating that you might find useful if you have a picky eater. Remember that eating is a skill that develops over time. Pressure backfires, and small steps count. Feel free to download and ask any questions here!