Author: Kristin Hupp MA CCC SLP

  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

Ms. Rachel from an SLP Perspective According to an article published in the May 2025 edition of The ASHA Leader by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, many professionals recognize positive benefits of the Ms. Rachel program. The show is widely viewed as a valuable tool for supporting early speech and language development due to its intentional modeling strategies and child-centered presentation style. However, from a Speech-Language Pathologist’s (SLP) perspective, it is important to emphasize that Ms. Rachel should never replace speech therapy when therapy is recommended. It should also never substitute meaningful parent-child interaction. While there are several elements that make the program educational and engaging, concerns arise when screen time begins to replace authentic play, daily routines, and face-to-face engagement — which

As spring approaches, many parents begin to wonder: Is my child ready for school next year? You may be asking yourself whether your child is developing the right skills—or whether your family is focusing time and energy on the areas that matter most for success in preschool or kindergarten. School readiness is about much more than knowing letters and numbers. Research consistently shows that children thrive in early learning environments when they have a strong foundation across several developmental areas. Below are the school readiness skills most commonly highlighted in research as key indicators of success for young learners. Core School Readiness Skills Pre-Literacy Concepts Understanding books, recognizing print, and developing early phonological awareness. WH-Questions (Who, What, Where, When, Why) Comprehending and