Making Every Moment Count
As a therapist who works full time in the natural home environment, I’m lucky enough to see a wide range of ages and speech delays or disorders. I’ve seen babies fresh from the NICU and preteens entering middle school. No matter the age or goal, the message for parents is always the same—work on it at home! Out of 168 hours in a week, your therapist is in your home for only two. That leaves so much time to build communication skills throughout your child’s day.
As a mom myself, I know how difficult those simple instructions can sound. We’re all busy—school, therapies, practices, siblings, appointments, mealtimes, and daily routines. How are we supposed to fit in speech practice every day? The key is that you don’t have to make extra time for it—you can incorporate speech into what you’re already doing.
Focus on Skills, Not Materials
We’re not teaching a child to say “raisin” only during a board game. We’re teaching her to ask for a snack when she’s hungry and helping him talk with friends at school. While therapy tools and toys are helpful, what matters most is how those skills carry over into daily life—and that’s where caregivers make all the difference.
To master a skill, children must use it across daily activities and environments. The good news: you don’t need fancy materials. Just use the skills you’ve learned from your therapist—like modeling, prompting, and encouraging communication—anywhere and anytime.
Everyday Speech Practice Ideas
- Breakfast (Requesting): Instead of handing your child a breakfast bar, hold up two items—like a bar and a cucumber—and ask, “What do you want?” Model the word “bar,” repeat it a few times with pauses, and celebrate when they respond or point.
- TV Time (Using a Communication Card): Before turning on the TV, have your child exchange a picture card of their favorite show. Always pair the card with a spoken word.
- Car Rides (Commenting): Point out what you see. “Wow! Dog! Woof woof!” “Big truck! Beep beep!” Keep it fun and energetic.
- Target Trip (Sound Practice): Play “I Spy” with target sounds. “I spy something you chew that comes in a green package.” If your child struggles with the sound, use the same prompting your therapist taught you.
- Down Time (Learning New Words): Sing familiar songs like “Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “The Wheels on the Bus.” Pause before key words so your child can fill them in. Use gestures and repetition.
- Bath Time (Using Signs): Turn the water on briefly, then stop and wait. Ask, “What do you want?” Encourage your child to use a sign or word before turning the water back on.
- Reading Time (Any Goal): Books are great for all ages. Don’t just read—interact! Point out objects, practice sounds, or play guessing games. No books? Use magazines, cookbooks, or newspapers.
Why It Works
Speech therapy success comes from using skills consistently in natural settings. The goal is for your child to communicate across all parts of life—breakfast, bath time, car rides, and beyond. When a skill is used everywhere, it becomes mastered.
Tips for Encouraging Language at Home
- Make it fun! Show your child you’re enjoying yourself to motivate them to do the same.
- Use single words. Simplify phrases like “Put on your shoes” to “Shoes on.”
- Talk about what your child is focused on. If they’re looking at a cup, say “Cup” and model drinking sounds.
- Model signs and words together. For example, sign and say “milk” when giving milk. Never use a sign silently. (See BabySignLanguage.com.)
- Use pauses and expectant looks. Give your child a chance to respond—silence can be powerful!
