What I'd Tell You If I Couldn't Be There: Simple Tips to Help Your Child Speak

Jul 8

What I'd Tell You If I Couldn't Be There: Simple Tips to Help Your Child Speak

As a speech-language pathologist, my heart is always with the families I serve—whether I’m in the room or not. Life happens. Sometimes we miss sessions. Sometimes a family lives far away or is waiting for services to start. So, if I couldn’t be there to support your child in person, here’s what I’d want you to know:

1. You Matter Most

You are your child’s best teacher. You know their quirks, their joys, their routines. The little moments—diaper changes, snack time, walks outside—are full of language opportunities. You don’t need fancy toys or flashcards. You just need presence.

2. Follow Their Lead

Notice what your child is interested in. Are they staring at a truck? Banging a spoon? Chasing bubbles? That’s your window. Get down at their level, join in, and talk about that thing. When a child is motivated, their brain is primed to learn.

Try saying:

“Wow! Big truck!”
“Spoon go bang-bang!”
“Pop! More bubbles?”

3. Slow Down and Pause

Sometimes we talk too fast or do too much for our kids. Try slowing down your speech, keeping sentences short, and pausing after you say something. That pause gives your child a chance to take a turn—whether it’s a word, a gesture, or even a sound.

Try this rhythm:
You: “Juice?” (wait)
You: “Want juice?” (wait)
You: “Say juice.” (wait again)

Every pause is an invitation.

4. Model Without Pressure

Instead of saying “Say ___,” try repeating what your child might say if they could. This removes pressure and keeps communication joyful.

If your child says: “Ba!”
You can say: “Ball! You want the ball!”

If they say nothing, that’s okay. You can still model:

“All done.”
“More please.”
“Go go go!”

5. Use Routines as Practice

Children learn best through repetition—and routines are built-in repetition! Narrate what you’re doing:

At mealtime:

“Spoon in.”
“Yummy.”
“All done!”

During bath:

“Wash, wash, wash!”
“Drip drip drip.”
“Splash!”

Turn everyday moments into language-rich opportunities.

6. Celebrate ALL Communication

Words are great, but so are pointing, gestures, signs, sounds, and eye contact. If your child pulls your hand toward the fridge—celebrate that! Respond like it’s communication (because it is!).

Over time, your child learns: When I do something, you respond. That’s the foundation of speech.

7. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Children need to hear words a lot before they say them. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself a hundred times. You might feel silly saying “ball!” over and over, but to your child—it’s gold.

Final Thoughts
If I couldn't be there for therapy, I’d still believe in your ability to help your child thrive. You are already doing so much just by showing up, by playing, by loving. Keep going. Keep connecting. And when we do get to work together, we’ll build on the beautiful foundation you’ve started.

You’ve got this. 💛