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!

👋 Have you ever been excited to hear your child say a new word, only to notice they don’t use it in other places? Don’t worry—this is completely normal! It can take hundreds or even thousands of times for your child to hear and practice a word before they use it consistently. If they’ve said it once, that’s a huge step! 🎉 But here’s the thing—they need practice in different settings to make it stick. For example, your child might say a word during a speech session but not at home. Or they might say it at your house but not at Grandma’s. 💡 What can you do? - Practice the word in different places: at the park, in the car, or during playtime. - Use it naturally in routines like meals, bath time, or storytime. - Celebrate every small success! Each time they say it, they’re building confidence. - Remember, progress takes time—but with practice, your child will feel confident using their words anywhere. ❤️ Have you noticed this with your child? Share your experience or ask any questions below—I’d love to hear from you!

Ever wondered what counts as a "word" when it comes to your child’s speech? It's a question many parents have, especially as they eagerly listen for those first precious words from their little ones. What Really Counts as a Word? In early speech and language development, a "word" is more than just perfect pronunciation. It’s any sound or sign your child uses… 👉 Consistently (more than once) 👉 Independently (on their own) 👉 Intentionally (on purpose) …to communicate. This includes: - Word Approximations: Like saying "ba" for "ball." It’s normal for young children to start with parts of words. - Animal Sounds: Sounds like “moo” or “woof” aren’t just cute; they’re real attempts at communication! - Sound Effects: Expressions like “beep beep” for a car or “choo choo” for a train—these count as words too. - Exclamatory Words: Shouts of “boo!” or “weee!” show your toddler using language. - Sign Language: Signs like “more” or “all done” are powerful forms of communication. - AAC Devices: Using a device to press “play” or “eat” is another way your child communicates with words. Why This Matters Recognizing these types of communication can change how you view your child’s progress. Every time your child uses one of these words, it’s a stepping stone in their language journey—a chance to support and encourage them as they grow. I’m here to support you and your little learner every step of the way. If you have questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out. Let’s make every word count! What type of word does your child use most?