Hey, amazing community! 👋 I’m thrilled to continue celebrating all the energy, support, and kindness you bring to this group. Let’s end 2024 on a high note! 💪 Here’s How It Works: The top 3 members who share, ask questions, or help others the most by the end of December will win: 1️⃣ A FREE 1:1 Consultation with me (perfect for personalized advice!) 2️⃣ A $20 e-gift card to the place of your choice 🎁 This is your chance to focus on your child’s communication, get answers to your big questions, and treat yourself to something fun—all for being active and supportive in this community! 💬 Your thoughtful contributions help make this group such a valuable resource for everyone. And now there’s even more reason to jump in and make an impact! Let’s wrap up 2024 with connection, growth, and a little fun along the way. 🌟 Who’s ready to shine this December? 🙌 (And just for fun: If your child could pick a prize for you, what do you think they’d choose?)

Quick reminder to turn on your notifications so you never miss important posts, updates, or new resources! Here’s how: On the mobile app: 1️⃣ Tap your profile icon in the bottom-right corner. 2️⃣ Click the three dots in the top-right, select Settings, and then select Notifications. 3️⃣ Turn on updates for posts, comments, and announcements. On desktop: 1️⃣ Click your profile icon in the top-right corner. 2️⃣ Select Settings, then click Notifications from the menu. 3️⃣ Choose which updates you want to receive. If you have any questions or need help, just ask—I’m happy to assist! 😊

Alright, let’s have some fun! 🎉 If your day so far were a GIF, what would it look like? 😅 Drop your GIF below! (Just click the GIF button when you reply) I need a good laugh, and let’s be real, we all have those 'what is even happening?!' kind of days. 🤷‍♂️ Can’t wait to see what you’ve got! 👏

Hey everyone, Communication challenges can be tough, not just for your child, but for you too. Frustration is normal, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. The good news is, there are strategies that can make a big difference for both you and your child. ❤️ Here are 5 research-backed tips to help you manage frustration and create a more positive communication experience: 1️⃣ Acknowledge Their Feelings (This is a biggie!) When your child gets upset, they’re likely feeling frustrated because they can’t express what they want or need. Use simple phrases like: - “I see you’re mad.” - “You want to tell me something, don’t you?” This lets them know you understand and builds their trust in communicating with you. 2️⃣ Model Words for Them Without Expecting Them to Respond Use simple language to give your child the words they need. For example: - If they’re reaching for a snack, say, "I want the banana!’ - Repeat the word calmly and clearly to help them connect the word to their need. 3️⃣ Use Visual Supports or Gestures Visual supports like pictures, pointing, or even baby sign language can reduce frustration when words are hard to find. For example: - Create a picture chart with their 5 favorite snacks (that you're okay with them picking) and put it on your fridge. - Use and accept gestures like pointing or signing “help” as a way of communication. 4️⃣ Stay Calm and Give Them Time This is way easier said than done (I know that). It’s easy to feel rushed or stressed, but staying calm helps your child feel safe and understood. Pause 5-10 seconds (then another 5) and give them extra time to respond. Sometimes they just need a few extra seconds to process and try. 5️⃣ Celebrate Small Wins When your child tries to communicate, even if it’s not perfect, celebrate it! Say things like: - “Wow, you said ‘ball’! That’s awesome!” Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and encourages them to keep trying. 🎉 Reminder for You as a Parent ❤️

There are a lot of myths out there about child language development. Let’s set the record straight on a few of the most common ones! 👉 Myth 1: Bilingualism Causes Language Delay The Truth: Bilingual children may start speaking a bit later, but they're learning two languages simultaneously, which is an incredible accomplishment! They typically catch up to monolingual peers without any long-term delays. 👉 Myth 2: Sign Language Discourages Speaking Fact Check: Using sign language early on can actually support language development. It gives children a way to communicate before they can speak, reducing frustration and potentially speeding up spoken language development. 👉 Myth 3: More Screen Time Boosts Language Skills Reality Check: Passive screen time isn't a substitute for human interaction. Kids learn best through engaging with people. Try using "sports commentator talk" or "self-talk" during play for a more effective approach! 👉 Myth 4: Boys Naturally Have Slower Language Development The Facts: While there may be minor differences in language timelines between boys and girls, these differences are small. Every child has their own unique development path. 👉 Myth 5: Reading to Your Child Early Isn’t Worthwhile Truth Revealed: Reading to your child, even before they fully understand words, helps them get familiar with language patterns and builds early literacy skills. Why This Matters Understanding these myths can help you feel confident in supporting your child’s speech and language development. Every child is unique, so trust your instincts, ask questions, and reach out if you need professional guidance. Do you have questions or concerns about any of these myths? Drop your questions here, and let’s discuss!