With the “New Year’s Resolution” power within the air, now is a superb time to transition to extra intentional, language-rich moments at residence.
I’ve stated it many instances earlier than and I’ll say it once more: you don’t want particular toys or “flashcard time” to assist your little one develop.
In reality, the very best speech remedy usually occurs within the kitchen, throughout bathtub time, or whereas taking part in.
As a speech-language pathologist, my largest piece of recommendation for 2026? Focus on connection over perfection.
Here are 4 “communication resolutions” that enable you accomplish this.
The 5-second rule
In our fast-paced world, we frequently leap in to fill the silence. One of probably the most highly effective instruments in an SLP’s toolkit is the expectant pause.
When you ask your little one a query or look forward to them to request one thing, depend to 5 slowly in your head earlier than you communicate once more.
This pause provides your little one the area they should course of the language and formulate a response.
You’ll be shocked at what occurs when given a little bit additional time by a supportive communication companion.
Narrate your life out loud
Want to assist your little one construct a strong vocabulary? Simply discuss what you’re doing when you do it.
“I’m folding the blanket. Clean up time! All done.” This is known as self-talk (describing what you do).
Talk about what your little one is doing whereas they do it, too. “You’re pushing the car. Vroom! Wee it’s so fast! Uh-oh it crashed! Try again.” This is known as parallel discuss (describing what they do).
This supplies a relentless stream of high-quality language fashions in actual time in a pure, stress-free context.
Celebrate ‘non-word’ wins
Spoken phrases are only one a part of communication. This 12 months, resolve to have a good time the “pre-linguistic” milestones and all modalities simply as a lot as spoken phrases.
Joint consideration: they take a look at a chicken after which take a look at you to be sure to noticed it, too.
Gestures: a degree, a wave, a head nod/shake, clapping, reaching as much as be held.
Play abilities, imitation of actions and sounds, language comprehension, intentional communication, and extra.
Small shifts, huge outcomes
Instead of testing your little one (“What color is this?”), attempt commenting (“That’s a red apple!”). Why? It removes strain and supplies a mannequin of the phrases they will use later.
Instead of correcting phrase use or speech sounds (“No, it’s a rabbit. Say rabbit, not wabbit.), recast the correct words or sounds (“Yeah, that’s a rabbit! He’s hopping.” Why? It validates their effort whereas displaying them the correct approach.
Instead of anticipating (giving a snack or toy with out your little one asking for it), attempt creating a chance to speak (maintain the snack/toy the place they will see and wait). Why? This creates a purposeful motive for them to speak.
By merely slowing down and noticing the small methods your little one is making an attempt to attach, you’re already turning into a extra supportive communication companion.
When you cease worrying about whether or not they stated a sound accurately or used a full sentence, you create a protected, low-pressure area the place your little one feels assured sufficient to take dangers, study from errors, and take a look at once more.
When we give attention to connection over perfection, significant communication development follows. Here’s to a 12 months of plenty of little wins and discovering connection over perfection!
Want extra data and suggestions like these? Visit scoopspeech.com.