Speech SOS
HomeTalk BoardFREESpeech CoachNEWGamesToolsStoriesAdultsNEWPrintablesFind SLPNEWResourcesPricing
Log InGet Started
HomeTalk BoardFREESpeech CoachNEWGamesToolsStoriesAdultsNEWPrintablesFind SLPNEWResourcesPricing
Log InGet Started
Back to Tools

Parent Resources & Coaching

Practical strategies, warm tips, and activities you can do at home to support your child's language development. You are your child's best tool!

19 practical guides5 categoriesBilingual EN/FR

Communication Strategies

4 guides in this category

Strategies

  • Get down to your child's eye level so they can see your face and lips.
  • Wait 5–10 seconds after your child looks at something before you speak.
  • Name the object or action they're focused on: “You found the ball!”
  • Avoid redirecting — if they want to line up blocks, line up blocks with them.
  • Add a single new word to what they already know: “Big block!”

Quick Tip

Let your child be the director of play — you're the narrator!

Strategies

  • Observe: Watch your child's eyes, gestures, and body language.
  • Wait: Pause for at least 5 seconds — count silently if needed.
  • Listen: Accept any attempt — sounds, gestures, or words all count.
  • Respond warmly to every attempt, even if it's just a point or a grunt.
  • Resist the urge to fill silence — that's your child's processing time.

Quick Tip

Five seconds feels long — but that's where the magic happens!

Strategies

  • Repeat what your child said and add 1–2 words: “Dog!” → “Big dog!”
  • Keep your expansion natural — don't make it sound like a correction.
  • Match their excitement: if they're thrilled about a truck, be thrilled too!
  • Use expansion during daily routines: “Juice” → “More apple juice?”
  • Aim for just one level above what your child currently says.

Quick Tip

Think of it as a conversation, not a teaching moment.

Strategies

  • Parallel talk: “You're pushing the car! Vroom vroom!”
  • Self-talk: “I'm cutting the banana. Chop chop!”
  • Use short, simple sentences — 3–4 words is perfect for little ones.
  • Add sound effects and emotion words: “Splash! That's so cold!”
  • Do this naturally throughout the day — no special setup required.

Quick Tip

You're your child's favourite podcast — keep narrating!

You're doing an amazing job!

The fact that you're here shows how much you care about your child. Every little moment of connection matters. Keep going — you've got this!

Need help? Contact us
Speech SOS

Giving every child a voice. Evidence-based speech therapy tools for children, parents, and therapists.

Product

  • Games
  • Pricing
  • About

Resources

  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Blog

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • COPPA Compliance

© 2026 Speech SOS. All rights reserved.

COPPA Compliant•GDPR Ready•No Ads, No Tracking