If your child understands so much but still isn’t talking, take a deep breath—you’re not failing, and your child is not behind hope. In this episode, we unpack what’s happening beneath the surface during the “silent stage,” when children are absorbing language long before they speak it. You’ll learn why observation is often the first step, how personality and motor-planning affect speech, and why silence can actually mean growth.

We’ll walk through simple, everyday strategies to encourage those first words—offering choices, building motivation, modeling short phrases, and creating playful routines that invite communication rather than pressure it. You’ll discover how imitation (sounds, actions, gestures) becomes the bridge to spoken words, and how predictable routines like “ready, set…go!” help children join in with confidence.

We’ll also answer common parent questions about signs, AAC, when to worry, and why modeling—not testing—creates the strongest foundation for speech. And this week’s challenge will help you turn one daily routine into a powerful communication opportunity.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered, hopeful, and equipped with practical tools you can use right away. Because your child doesn’t need perfection—they need your warmth, your voice, and your steady encouragement. Little attempts truly lead to big breakthroughs.

Next week, we’ll dive into turn-taking and early back-and-forth conversations—another essential building block for connection and language growth.

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Helping Your Child Find Their Voice: A Parent’s Guide to Speech and Language Development
Is your child not talking yet, and you’re wondering if it’s time to worry? This encouraging guide walks you through typical speech milestones, common causes of delays, and simple, play-based strategies you can start using at home today.

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Does your child wiggle, wander, or walk away halfway through a book? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean story time isn’t working. In today’s episode, we explore how to turn reading into a joyful, language-building experience, even when it looks nothing like the picture-perfect moments you imagined.

You’ll learn how to choose the right books for your child’s stage, make stories interactive and fun, and use simple techniques—like sound effects, gestures, facial expressions, and playful pauses—to spark engagement. You’ll hear why movement isn’t a problem, how “drive-by reading” can actually build attention, and why repetition is one of the greatest gifts you can give your little learner.

We’ll also tackle common questions:
• What if they chew the book?
• What if they don’t say any words yet?
• What if I’m tired and only have a minute?

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered to make books come alive in short, meaningful bursts that strengthen language, imagination, and connection. Because it’s not the story that matters most—it’s you. Your voice, your warmth, your presence are what turn everyday reading into something magical.

Next week, we’ll dive into encouraging first words and what to do when your child understands everything but isn’t talking yet. You won’t want to miss it!

🌟 Available Now

Helping Your Child Find Their Voice: A Parent’s Guide to Speech and Language Development
Is your child not talking yet, and you’re wondering if it’s time to worry? This encouraging guide walks you through typical speech milestones, common causes of delays, and simple, play-based strategies you can start using at home today.

👉 Buy on Amazon

📬 Want to be the first to know when new books or resources are released?

Click Here to Join my email list!

Explore the show notes

Available Here

Learn more about Parent Coaching

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Did you know your kitchen table might be one of the best places to help your child talk more? In this heartwarming and practical episode, Speech-Language Pathologist Steph Karasek shares how to turn everyday mealtime routines into rich opportunities for speech and language growth.

Whether your child is a late talker, has a speech delay, or is just beginning to use words, you’ll learn how to make mealtime a natural space for learning and connection. Steph walks you through three powerful, research-backed strategies that make a big difference — without adding pressure or extra prep.

You’ll discover how to:
-Narrate and label what’s happening in simple, natural ways your child can absorb.
-Offer choices that encourage your child to point, gesture, or use new words.
- Expand and model just one step beyond what your child says to keep language growing.

Through these everyday moments — passing the peas, wiping a spill, or sharing goldfish crackers — your child learns that communication has power and meaning. Steph also shares science-backed insight on why mealtime matters: it’s repetitive, motivating, and full of face-to-face interaction, which are the perfect ingredients for language development.

If you’ve ever wondered how to do speech therapy at home without flashcards, this episode will show you exactly how — using laughter, love, and connection. You’ll finish feeling encouraged, equipped, and reminded that your voice, your time, and your presence are your child’s greatest tools for learning to communicate.

🌟 Available Now

Helping Your Child Find Their Voice: A Parent’s Guide to Speech and Language Development
Is your child not talking yet, and you’re wondering if it’s time to worry? This encouraging guide walks you through typical speech milestones, common causes of delays, and simple, play-based strategies you can start using at home today.

👉 Buy on Amazon

📬 Want to be the first to know when new books or resources are released?

Click Here to Join my email list!

Explore the show notes

Available Here

Learn more about Parent Coaching

Available Here