In the new episode of Growing Up with Dr Sarah, we discuss language development in children, the importance of communication and expression in children's development, and how to improve children’s speech and language skills at home.
Listen to the podcast using the player below:
Episode highlights:
It is important to talk to infants from birth onward to help develop neural pathways and foundational communication skills. As you're talking to your little one and you're rocking them and you're singing songs to them, what you're also doing is you're giving them foundational communication information.
Little ones do develop on their own timeline and we can encourage them to communicate, but we can't push them into communication and have them advance before they're ready.
It is important to look out for the signs of intentional communication in children:
Are they taking your hand and showing you what they want?
Are they indicating to you and pointing to what they want?
Are they attempting to communicate?
They might not be coming out with these beautiful words, but are they communicating?
When you find that your child may be communicating physically (they're pulling you or they're showing you something), but you're not hearing the attempt or the vocalization or the laughter, that could be a red flag.
If a child is not communicating intentionally or seems frustrated, it may be time to consult with a speech-language pathologist. Better Speech offers convenient online therapy sessions in the comfort of the child's home, with coaching for parents on how to continue practicing at home.
Improve your child's speech skills today
Key Things to Remember:
Offer opportunities for children to talk and communicate rather than force them to say specific words.
Don't forget about physical engagement and socialization in language development, especially during times when masks may hinder nonverbal communication.
Break up children's routines to engage them in back-and-forth communication, e.g. watch TV or read together with children and engage in conversation about what is being watched or read.
Actively engage and interact with your children for healthy language development.
Reach out to a speech-language pathologist if there are concerns about a child's communication skills.
Make therapy sessions fun, engaging, and a part of the child's day.
Provide pediatricians or child's doctors with documentation of evaluation and therapy sessions.
At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
About the Author
Lenora Edwards
I am ASHA Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist and Chief Knowledge Officer with Better Speech. Since obtaining my CCC’s in 2010, I have worked with individuals of all ages from little ones who are learning to understand and express themselves to adults who want to improve their speaking skills and become a more fluent and effective communicator. I love to teach and educate others, in my spare time I like reading, cooking and traveling!
