Day: May 25, 2026

  Today’s children are growing up in a world that is more structured, scheduled, and digital than ever before. Research from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shows that the average child spends about seven hours a day in school and five or more hours in front of screens. Teenagers, in particular, average nearly seven hours of daily screen time, not including time spent on screens for schoolwork. In contrast, studies suggest that parent–child interaction often averages only 37 to 40 minutes per day, and in some cases, children spend as little as four to seven minutes in unstructured outdoor play. These numbers paint a concerning picture. While children are constantly engaged—with school, devices, and activities—the time they spend connecting meaningfully with their parents

  Many parents of 2-year-old children worry when they see speech or language delays. It’s a common question: “Is my toddler too young for speech therapy?” The short answer? No — two years old is not too young, and in many cases, early speech intervention can make a significant difference. Why Early Years Matter So Much Research shows that a child’s brain is uniquely receptive to language development during the first few years of life. Neural pathways related to speech, language, and cognitive skills are forming rapidly in this early period, making it one of the most effective windows for helping children learn and grow. Delaying evaluation or therapy can mean missing out on this critical period of high neuroplasticity — essentially the brain’s

Kids don’t always have the skills to manage big emotions on their own, and sometimes they need support right in the moment. These strategies are simple, practical, and can help your child calm down, focus, and make thoughtful choices. 1. Name the Feeling Out Loud Help your child identify their emotions as they happen. For example: “I see you’re feeling angry because your toy broke. That’s frustrating.” Labeling feelings helps them understand what’s happening and begins the process of regulating. 2. Deep Breathing Together Guide your child through slow, intentional breaths. Inhale for 4 counts Hold for 2 counts Exhale for 6 counts Make it fun by pretending to blow up a balloon or sniff a flower. 3. “Stop and

  May is a special time as we celebrate graduations—not just in school, but in speech and language milestones too! Just like students walk across the stage to mark the end of a school year, many of our young clients “graduate” from therapy after reaching their communication goals. Every speech and language achievement is worth celebrating with pride and joy.  We love seeing children gain the skills they need to succeed in the classroom, with friends, and at home. Graduation from therapy is not the end of the journey, but it’s a stepping stone toward continued growth, confidence, and a lifetime of effective communication. It’s time to celebrate all that you and your child have accomplished!

Why Does National Speech, Language, & Hearing Month Matter? Speech and language skills don’t just affect how a child talks—these skills influence how children understand others, express their ideas, and succeed across environments. Hearing also plays a critical role in children’s development. Even mild hearing impairments can impact speech development and learning. Early Signs to Watch For: Parents are often the first to notice when their child isn’t hitting developmental milestones. Consider seeking guidance if your child: Isn’t babbling or using gestures by 12 months Has limited vocabulary compared to their same-aged peers Struggles to follow directions Is difficult for others to understand Talk, read, and sing with your child regularly Encourage turn-taking in conversations (pause regularly to allow your

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) helps children communicate more clearly and confidently. Their work includes much more than “fixing sounds”. They support speech, language, social skills, and feeding.  Speech Sounds SLPs help kids learn to say sounds correctly so others can understand them.  Language Skills They teach children how to understand and use words, make sentences, follow directions, and answer questions.  Social Communication SLPs help children learn the social rules of communication such as taking turns, staying on topic, and understanding feelings.  Literacy Support Because language and reading are connected, SLPs may help with early reading skills such as rhyming, sounds, and story comprehension.  AAC (Communication Devices) SLPs support children who use picture systems or speech-generating devices to communicate.  Fluency (Stuttering) They help kids