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Is your toddler not talking yet? Does s/he babble and coo and squeal and holler? Or is s/he quieter?

Screens! We are all hooked on them. You are looking at one right now, reading this!

Why use sign language with (hearing) babies and toddlers? Won't signing discourage babies from learning to talk?

One of my favourite, easy-to-use strategies for parents of late talkers is the idea of following the child's lead during play. Essentially, this means talking about what s/he is looking at, and shifting when the child shifts. So if you are playing with a ball and you are labeling "ball!" and "roll the ball!" and "throw it!" and all that...

Here's one of my favourite therapy materials: a mystery bag!

Reading: it's about much more than the words on the page!

Did you know language development begins way before those first words emerge around 12 months? Even in a baby's first three months of life, the foundations for language learning are being established.

Are you an auditory learner? I definitely am. Because of this, I absolutely love listening to podcasts - especially ones about speech and language stuff, because I can learn about new ideas and reinforce my knowledge while I drive to/from wherever my kids need to go or while out on a walk. It's pretty brilliant.

As a kid, spring break was always an exciting time for me; but as a parent (especially now that it's a full two weeks long), I find it a bit challenging to find things to keep us occupied and not driving each other bonkers.

What does typical language development look like in a toddler?

PLAY. Play is how children learn pretty much everything - especially language. There is so much value in getting down on the floor with your child. Plus it's pretty fun!