When Should Child Start Speech Therapy: A Parent's Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Speech Development Milestones
3. Common Causes of Speech Delays
4. When to Consider Speech Therapy: The “Don’t Wait and See” Approach
5. What Does Speech Therapy Involve?
6. Speech Blubs: A Modern Approach to Speech Development Support
7. Integrating Speech Blubs into Your Child’s Journey
8. Choosing Your Speech Blubs Plan: Value for Your Family
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

There’s a special joy in watching your child grow and discover the world, their tiny milestones marking the incredible journey of early development. From their first smile to their first wobbly steps, each new skill brings a burst of pride and excitement. Among these vital developmental leaps, speech and language stand out as foundational—they are the keys that unlock communication, connection, and understanding. Yet, for many parents, the path isn’t always clear. What if your child isn’t babbling like their peers? What if their words are slow to come, or hard to understand? These worries are perfectly normal, and they often lead to a crucial question: “When should my child start speech therapy?”

At Speech Blubs, we understand these concerns deeply. Our company was born from the personal experiences of our founders, who all grew up with speech challenges themselves and created the tool they wished they had. We believe every child deserves to speak their minds and hearts, and our mission is to empower them to do just that. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate the nuances of speech development, recognize potential signs that your child might benefit from support, and understand the invaluable role that early intervention, alongside effective tools like Speech Blubs, can play. We’ll explore key milestones, common causes for delays, and demystify the process of seeking help, ensuring you have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions for your little one.

Understanding Speech Development Milestones

Observing your child’s journey through speech and language milestones is one of the most proactive steps you can take as a parent. These milestones aren’t rigid deadlines, but rather general benchmarks that give us a sense of typical development. They help us celebrate progress and, just as importantly, gently signal when a child might need a little extra support to thrive. It’s important to remember that every child is unique; some may reach certain milestones earlier, while others take a bit more time. However, significant or consistent delays can sometimes indicate a need for professional guidance.

Why Milestones Matter for Early Detection

Milestones serve as a compass for development. When children consistently miss several milestones within an age range, it can be a subtle but important indicator of an underlying issue. This could range from hearing loss, which directly impacts a child’s ability to imitate sounds and develop language, to learning disabilities or oral-motor challenges that affect the physical mechanics of speech. Recognizing these signs early allows for what we call “early intervention,” which is widely considered the most effective approach to supporting children with speech and language needs. The sooner challenges are addressed, the more readily a child can build strong communication foundations.

Comparing your child to others can feel unsettling, and it’s natural to feel a pang of worry if a friend’s child seems more vocal or articulate at the same age. But remember, the wide spectrum of “normal” development means that while one child might be an early talker, another might be excelling in motor skills, or social-emotional development. Focus on your child’s individual progress and compare it to general developmental guidelines, rather than to other children. If you’re looking for a simple, confidential way to check your child’s speech development, we invite you to take our quick 3-minute preliminary screener. It involves 9 simple questions and provides an assessment and a personalized next-steps plan.

Age-Specific Milestones and What to Look For

Here’s a detailed look at what you can typically expect in terms of speech and language development across various age ranges, along with potential red flags that might suggest a need for professional evaluation:

Birth to 12 Months: The Foundations of Communication

During their first year, babies are absorbing an incredible amount of information, laying the groundwork for spoken language. They learn to communicate through sounds, gestures, and by responding to your voice.

• Expected Milestones:
  • 0-3 Months: Cooing, smiling in response to voices, turning head towards sounds, making different cries for different needs.
  • 4-6 Months: Babbling with varied sounds (p, b, m), laughing, responding to their name, looking where you point.
  • 7-12 Months: Babbling long strings of sounds (e.g., “mamama,” “bababa”), using gestures like waving “bye-bye” or pointing to desired objects, understanding simple words like “no” or “up,” and expressing their first word (often “mama” or “dada”). They should also react when being spoken to.
• Potential Red Flags (12 months):
  • Only makes a few sounds.
  • Not using gestures like waving or pointing.
  • Has not expressed first words.
  • Doesn’t respond to their name or react when spoken to.
  • Doesn’t make eye contact during interaction.

12 to 18 Months: Expanding Understanding and First Words

This is an exciting time as babies start connecting sounds to meaning and using their first intentional words.

• Expected Milestones:
  • Saying 1-3 words beyond “mama” and “dada.”
  • Understanding simple commands (e.g., “Come here,” “Give me”).
  • Pointing to show you something or to ask for it.
  • Imitating sounds and words you make.
  • Enjoying games like peek-a-boo.
• Potential Red Flags (18 months):
  • Has fewer than 6-10 words.
  • Doesn’t point to show you things.
  • Doesn’t respond to simple commands.
  • Grunts and points rather than using words to communicate wants.
  • Doesn’t try to imitate sounds or words.

18 to 24 Months: The Language Explosion

Between 18 months and two years, many children experience a “language explosion,” rapidly expanding their vocabulary and starting to combine words.

• Expected Milestones:
  • Using at least 20 words by 18 months and 50 words by 24 months.
  • Starting to combine two words (e.g., “more juice,” “daddy up,” “big dog”).
  • Following two-step commands (e.g., “Pick up the ball and give it to me”).
  • Naming familiar objects and people.
  • Understanding simple questions.
  • Engaging in simple pretend play.
• Potential Red Flags (24 months):
  • Saying fewer than 50 words.
  • Not putting two-word combinations together frequently.
  • Mostly unintelligible speech (you understand less than 50% of what they say).
  • Relying primarily on gestures rather than words.
  • Leaving ends off words (e.g., “si-dow” instead of “sit down”).
  • Doesn’t speak independently without instruction.
  • Voice sounds raspy or nasally.

2 to 3 Years: Building Sentences and Clarity

Children at this age are becoming more adept at forming sentences and their speech is becoming clearer to others.

• Expected Milestones:
  • Using 2- to 3-word sentences.
  • Vocabulary growing to 200-300 words or more.
  • Asking simple “what” and “where” questions.
  • Understanding most of what is said to them.
  • Speech is 50-75% understandable to familiar adults.
  • Using pronouns (I, me, you).
• Potential Red Flags (3 years):
  • Not putting two- and three-word combinations together.
  • Mostly unintelligible speech (you understand less than 75% of what they say).
  • Difficulty following simple directions or understanding simple statements.
  • Frequently stuttering or repeating sounds/words.
  • Difficulty with specific sounds (though some articulation errors are still normal).

3 to 5 Years: Developing Complex Language and Social Skills

Preschoolers are refining their language skills, engaging in more complex conversations, and using language for social purposes.

• Expected Milestones:
  • Using 4-5 word sentences and beyond.
  • Speech is mostly understandable to strangers (75-100%).
  • Able to answer “who,” “what,” “where,” and “why” questions.
  • Retelling simple stories.
  • Understanding and using basic concepts (e.g., big/small, in/out).
  • Engaging in conversations with others.
  • Using language to express feelings and ideas.
• Potential Red Flags (4-5 years):
  • Speech is difficult to understand by most people.
  • Unable to follow classroom directions (e.g., “Draw a circle on your paper around something you eat”).
  • Repeating the first sounds of words (e.g., “b-b-b-ball” for “ball”) or showing other signs of stuttering most of the time.
  • Difficulty with specific sound productions that are typically mastered by this age (e.g., /f/, /v/, /s/, /z/).
  • Difficulty interacting socially or expressing themselves in group settings.

If you find yourself nodding along to many of these red flags, it’s a good idea to consider further action. We believe in being proactive. Ready to explore support? Download Speech Blubs on the App Store or Google Play to get started.

Common Causes of Speech Delays

Understanding the potential reasons behind speech and language delays can help parents feel more informed and less anxious. It’s a complex area, and often, multiple factors can contribute to a child’s communication challenges.

Physical and Oral-Motor Factors

Sometimes, speech difficulties stem from physical issues within the mouth or the coordination required for speaking.

• Oral Impairments: Problems with the tongue or palate (the roof of the mouth) can significantly impact speech sound production. For instance, a high or cleft palate can make it difficult for air to be directed properly, affecting sounds. A short frenulum (the fold beneath the tongue), sometimes called “tongue-tie,” can restrict tongue movement, preventing a child from making sounds that require the tongue to reach the roof of the mouth, like /t/, /d/, /n/, or /l/.
• Oral-Motor Problems: Speech isn’t just about making sounds; it’s a finely tuned dance of muscles. Children with oral-motor problems may have difficulty coordinating their lips, tongue, and jaw to produce speech sounds correctly. This can manifest as unclear articulation or difficulty making specific sounds. Conditions like childhood apraxia of speech fall under this umbrella, where the brain struggles to plan and coordinate the muscle movements for speech.

Hearing Problems

It might seem obvious, but good hearing is absolutely crucial for developing speech. A child learns to speak by listening to others, internalizing sounds, and then imitating them.

• Impact of Hearing Loss: Even mild or fluctuating hearing loss (perhaps due to recurrent ear infections) can make it difficult for a child to hear certain frequencies or distinguish between similar sounds. Without a clear understanding of sounds, a child will struggle to imitate them and build their vocabulary and articulation skills. Regular hearing screenings are a vital part of early childhood health checks.

Developmental Delays and Disorders

Speech delays can also be a symptom or part of a broader developmental picture.

• Global Developmental Delay: Some children experience delays across multiple areas of development, including speech, motor skills, and cognitive abilities.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Communication challenges, both verbal and non-verbal, are a core characteristic of ASD. Children with autism may have delays in acquiring language, difficulty with social communication, or unique patterns of speech.
• Specific Language Impairment (SLI) / Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): In these cases, a child experiences significant difficulty with language development without any obvious cause like hearing loss or a cognitive impairment. They might struggle with understanding language (receptive language) or expressing themselves (expressive language).
• Fluency Disorders: Stuttering, characterized by repetitions, prolongations, or blocks in speech, can emerge during early childhood. While many young children go through phases of disfluency, persistent or severe stuttering warrants evaluation.
• Voice Disorders: Rarely, a child may have a voice disorder that affects the quality, pitch, or loudness of their voice, making it sound hoarse, breathy, or nasal.

Recognizing these potential causes helps us approach intervention with a clearer understanding, allowing for more targeted and effective support.

When to Consider Speech Therapy: The “Don’t Wait and See” Approach

One of the most common pieces of advice parents receive when concerned about speech delays is to “wait and see” if their child catches up on their own. While it’s true that some children will naturally overcome minor delays, we, along with many speech and language experts, strongly advocate for a proactive approach. Waiting can sometimes mean losing precious time during a critical period of brain development when intervention can be most impactful.

The Power of Early Intervention

The period from birth to age five is often referred to as the “critical period” for language development. During these years, a child’s brain is rapidly developing and is incredibly receptive to learning new skills. This means that:

• Easier to Correct Habits: When a child is young, they haven’t had as much time to solidify poor speech habits. It’s often easier to guide them toward correct sound production and language use before incorrect patterns become deeply ingrained.
• Prevents Further Gaps: Delays in speech can sometimes cascade into other areas of development. For example, difficulty communicating can lead to frustration, behavioral issues, or even challenges in social interactions and early literacy skills. Early intervention helps prevent these gaps from widening.
• More Effective Results: Research consistently shows that children who receive speech therapy early tend to make faster and more significant progress than those who start later. This proactive stance isn’t about rushing development; it’s about providing timely support tailored to their needs. Our methodology at Speech Blubs is backed by science, placing us in the top tier of speech apps worldwide. You can learn more about our research and scientific approach here.

Addressing Parental Concerns

It’s completely normal to have reservations about speech therapy. Parents might worry about “labeling” their child, or that therapy might make them feel different. However, speech therapy, especially for young children, is often structured around play and positive interaction, making it an engaging and fun experience. The goal isn’t to make a child “different,” but to give them the tools to fully participate in their world, fostering confidence and reducing potential frustration.

The Role of Your Pediatrician and an SLP

Your pediatrician is an excellent first point of contact. They can provide initial screenings, rule out medical issues (like hearing loss), and offer referrals. However, for a comprehensive assessment of speech and language development, a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) – also known as a speech therapist – is the specialist you need. An SLP will conduct a detailed evaluation to pinpoint specific areas of strength and challenge, then develop a personalized plan.

Remember, the sooner you address any concerns, the sooner your child can begin to build those vital communication skills. Don’t hesitate to seek a professional opinion if you have any doubts. Every moment spent empowering your child’s voice is a moment invested in their future.

What Does Speech Therapy Involve?

Once you decide to explore speech therapy, it’s natural to wonder what the process actually looks like. Pediatric speech therapy is a highly personalized and engaging journey designed to address a wide range of communication challenges, always with the child’s individual needs and interests at its core.

The Initial Evaluation

The first step is typically an evaluation with a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). This isn’t a test for your child to “pass” or “fail,” but rather an opportunity for the SLP to get to know your child’s communication style, strengths, and areas where they might need support.

• Observation and Play: SLPs often observe children during play, which is a natural context for communication. They might use toys, books, and games to engage your child and elicit speech and language samples.
• Parent Interview: You, as the parent, are an invaluable source of information. The SLP will ask about your child’s developmental history, daily communication patterns, and your specific concerns.
• Standardized Assessments: Depending on your child’s age and needs, the SLP might use formal assessments to evaluate specific areas like articulation, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.
• Goal Setting: Based on the evaluation, the SLP will discuss their findings with you and collaboratively set realistic, achievable goals for your child.

Beyond Articulation: A Holistic Approach

Speech therapy goes far beyond just correcting pronunciation. SLPs work on a broad spectrum of communication skills:

• Articulation and Phonology: Helping children produce sounds correctly and organize them into words.
• Receptive Language: Improving a child’s ability to understand spoken language, follow directions, and comprehend stories.
• Expressive Language: Enhancing a child’s ability to use words, form sentences, ask questions, and express their thoughts and needs.
• Fluency: Addressing stuttering and other disruptions in the flow of speech.
• Voice: Working on issues related to the quality, pitch, or loudness of a child’s voice.
• Pragmatics/Social Skills: Teaching children how to use language appropriately in social situations, including turn-taking, understanding non-verbal cues, and initiating conversations.
• Oral-Motor Skills: Strengthening the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and jaw for better speech, and sometimes addressing feeding and swallowing difficulties.
• Early Literacy: Supporting pre-reading and writing skills, especially given the strong link between spoken language and literacy.

For a parent whose 3-year-old “late talker” loves animals, an SLP might incorporate animal sounds and names into playful activities to target specific sound production and vocabulary expansion. This is where tools like Speech Blubs come in handy. Our “Animal Kingdom” section, for example, offers a fun, motivating way for children to practice sounds like “moo” and “baa” by imitating their peers in engaging video contexts.

The Critical Role of At-Home Practice

While therapy sessions with an SLP are incredibly valuable, they are typically once or twice a week. The real magic happens when learning is reinforced at home, every single day. Parents play a critical role in their child’s success. Children who complete the program quickly and have the best results are generally those whose parents are actively involved in the therapy process.

SLPs will often provide strategies, exercises, and activities for you to do with your child between sessions. This consistent, joyful practice in familiar environments makes a huge difference. This is precisely where Speech Blubs shines, empowering parents to continue the learning journey at home with an engaging, scientifically backed tool.

Speech Blubs: A Modern Approach to Speech Development Support

In today’s world, parents are looking for effective and engaging ways to support their child’s development. We know that balancing daily life with therapeutic needs can be a challenge. That’s why at Speech Blubs, we’ve designed an app that seamlessly blends scientific principles with play, creating one-of-a-kind “smart screen time” experiences for children.

Born from Personal Experience, Driven by Mission

Our journey began with a very personal understanding of speech challenges. Our founders, having experienced speech problems themselves as children, understood the profound impact communication difficulties can have. They created Speech Blubs to be the tool they wished they had—an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support. Our mission is clear: to empower children to “speak their minds and hearts,” fostering confidence and reducing the frustration often associated with communication delays.

Smart Screen Time: Learning Through Play

We recognize that “screen time” can be a loaded term for parents. That’s why we’ve committed to transforming it into “smart screen time.” Unlike passive viewing experiences like cartoons, Speech Blubs is an active, interactive learning tool. It provides a screen-free alternative to passive watching by requiring children to engage, imitate, and participate. It’s also a powerful tool for family connection, encouraging co-play and interaction between parents and children.

At the heart of our methodology is video modeling. This unique approach teaches complex communication skills by allowing children to learn by watching and imitating their peers. When a child sees other children their age successfully producing sounds and words, it creates a powerful mirroring effect that taps into their natural inclination to learn from others. This peer-to-peer interaction makes learning feel less like therapy and more like play, building foundational skills while fostering a genuine love for communication. For a child struggling with specific sounds, our “Fun with Sounds” section provides countless opportunities to practice by watching and imitating the clear articulations of other children, making it a dynamic and relatable experience.

Fostering Confidence and Reducing Frustration

One of the most significant benefits we aim to provide is building a child’s confidence. When children learn to communicate more effectively, the frustration that often accompanies being misunderstood begins to dissipate. This newfound ability to express themselves can transform their interactions, leading to more joyful family moments and stronger connections.

Speech Blubs helps children develop key foundational skills—from articulation and vocabulary to early literacy and social communication. Our app is designed to be a powerful supplement to a child’s overall development plan and, when applicable, professional speech therapy. It provides a playful, accessible way to integrate speech practice into daily routines, making the learning process a positive experience for both children and parents. See what other parents are saying about their child’s success with Speech Blubs by visiting our testimonials page.

Integrating Speech Blubs into Your Child’s Journey

Speech Blubs is designed to be a versatile and valuable resource at various stages of your child’s speech development journey, always with the understanding that adult co-play and support are key to maximizing its benefits.

As a First Step for Mild Concerns

If you’ve noticed some minor delays or have mild concerns about your child’s speech, but aren’t sure if professional therapy is immediately necessary, Speech Blubs can be an excellent starting point. It allows you to proactively engage with speech development at home, providing structured activities and engaging content that can help bridge small gaps. For a 2-year-old who is building their vocabulary, our “Early Words” section can introduce new words in an engaging video modeling format, encouraging imitation and rapid word acquisition. This allows you to observe your child’s progress and build confidence before seeking further steps.

A Powerful Supplement to Professional Therapy

For children already working with a speech-language pathologist, Speech Blubs serves as a robust and engaging supplement to their therapy sessions. Your SLP will provide targeted exercises, but consistent practice at home is crucial for cementing new skills. The app offers a fun, motivational way to reinforce what your child is learning in therapy, extending the therapeutic benefits beyond the session walls.

For example, if an SLP is targeting the /k/ sound, you can find activities within Speech Blubs that highlight words starting with /k/ in various contexts, giving your child extra practice in a playful environment. This continuity helps accelerate progress and keeps children engaged with their speech goals.

For Continued Practice and Building Fluency

Even after formal therapy concludes, or as your child progresses, Speech Blubs remains a fantastic tool for continued practice and maintaining fluency. Speech and language development is an ongoing process, and keeping communication skills sharp is important. The app offers a rich library of activities across different categories—from sounds and words to sentences and social skills—ensuring there’s always something new and engaging to explore. For children who are developing their social communication skills, our “Social Skills” section presents scenarios where children learn appropriate responses and expressions, preparing them for real-world interactions. This makes it an ideal companion for long-term development.

By integrating Speech Blubs into your daily routine, you’re not just providing a “screen time” activity; you’re creating meaningful, interactive learning moments that support your child’s journey to confident communication. Our goal is to make speech support accessible, effective, and most importantly, joyful for your entire family. Visit our homepage to explore more about our vision and offerings.

Choosing Your Speech Blubs Plan: Value for Your Family

We believe in making high-quality speech and language support accessible to every family. Transparency about our pricing and what each plan offers is central to building trust. When you choose Speech Blubs, you’re investing in your child’s future communication, confidence, and connection.

Our Plan Options

We offer two straightforward plan options designed to fit different family needs, though one clearly provides superior value:

• Monthly Plan: For those who prefer maximum flexibility, our Monthly Plan is available at $14.99 per month.
• Yearly Plan: Our most popular and highly recommended option, the Yearly Plan, is priced at just $59.99 per year. This breaks down to an incredible $4.99 per month, offering significant savings.

The Unbeatable Value of the Yearly Plan

We want to be clear: the Yearly Plan is the best choice for almost every family. It’s not just about the cost savings, although you save a remarkable 66% compared to the monthly subscription. The Yearly Plan unlocks the full Speech Blubs experience, packed with exclusive, high-value features designed to give your child the most comprehensive support:

• 7-Day Free Trial: Only with the Yearly Plan do you get to experience the full app absolutely free for seven days. This allows you and your child to explore all the features, discover the engaging activities, and see firsthand how Speech Blubs can make a difference before making a commitment.
• The Extra Reading Blubs App: The Yearly Plan includes access to our companion Reading Blubs app, which provides early literacy support, helping your child build foundational reading and writing skills. This dual support for both speech and reading is invaluable for holistic language development.
• Early Access to New Updates: As we continuously enhance Speech Blubs with new content and features, Yearly subscribers receive early access, ensuring your child always has the latest and most engaging learning experiences.
• 24-Hour Support Response Time: We are committed to providing exceptional support. Yearly subscribers benefit from prioritized customer service with a guaranteed 24-hour response time for any questions or assistance you might need.

Important Note: The Monthly Plan does not include the 7-day free trial, the Reading Blubs app, early access to updates, or the expedited 24-hour support response. These premium benefits are exclusively reserved for our Yearly Plan subscribers.

Take the Best Step Forward for Your Child

We strongly encourage you to choose the Yearly Plan to truly maximize your child’s speech and language development journey. With the 7-day free trial, you have nothing to lose and a world of communication to gain.

Ready to provide your child with immediate, effective, and joyful speech support? Create your Speech Blubs account and begin your 7-day free trial today by selecting the Yearly Plan option. It’s the smartest, most value-packed way to empower your child’s voice.

Conclusion

Navigating your child’s speech development can feel like a complex journey, but you are not alone. Recognizing the importance of early milestones and understanding when to seek support are crucial steps in empowering your child’s communication journey. From the first coos to clear sentences, every child deserves the opportunity to express their minds and hearts fully. While every child develops at their own pace, being proactive and addressing concerns early can make a profound difference, preventing frustration and fostering a lifelong love for communication.

Tools like Speech Blubs are here to support you every step of the way, offering a unique blend of scientific methodology and engaging play. Our “smart screen time” experiences, powered by video modeling, provide an effective and joyful complement to your child’s development, whether as a first step or to reinforce professional therapy. We believe in building confidence, reducing frustration, and creating joyful family learning moments, knowing that a child who can communicate effectively is a child empowered to thrive.

Don’t let concerns linger. Take the proactive step today. We invite you to experience the full potential of Speech Blubs. Download the app on the Apple App Store or get it on the Google Play Store and start your 7-day free trial. Remember to choose the Yearly Plan to unlock all the exclusive features, including the Reading Blubs app and priority support, ensuring your child receives the best value and the most comprehensive support from day one. Your child’s voice is waiting to be heard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the youngest age my child can start speech therapy?

A1: It might surprise many parents, but children can benefit from speech therapy as young as six months old. In these very early stages, therapy focuses on foundational communication skills like babbling, gestures, and responding to sounds, rather than complex words. Early intervention is key, and it’s never too soon to consult with an SLP if you have concerns. Many children begin therapy between 1 and 3 years old, especially as language milestones become more distinct.

Q2: How long does speech therapy usually last?

A2: The duration of speech therapy varies greatly depending on the child’s specific needs, the nature of their communication challenge, and their engagement in the process. Some children might make significant progress in a few months, while others with more complex needs may benefit from therapy for a year or longer. Consistency in attending sessions and, crucially, practicing at home are major factors in how quickly a child progresses. Your SLP will regularly assess progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Q3: Can speech therapy help with issues beyond just speaking, like understanding language or social skills?

A3: Absolutely! Speech therapy is a comprehensive field that addresses a wide range of communication aspects. While articulation (pronunciation) is a common focus, SLPs also work on receptive language (how a child understands language), expressive language (how they use words and sentences to communicate), fluency (addressing stuttering), voice quality, and pragmatic/social skills (how language is used in social contexts, like turn-taking and understanding non-verbal cues). If your child is having trouble understanding instructions or interacting socially, a speech therapist can certainly help.

Q4: How can I help my child at home if they are in speech therapy or if I’m waiting for an appointment?

A4: Your involvement at home is paramount. Consistent daily practice, even for short bursts, reinforces what your child learns. Engage in playful activities that encourage communication: read books together and talk about the pictures, sing songs, narrate your daily activities, and use rich vocabulary. Ask open-ended questions and give your child time to respond. For a structured and engaging home-based solution, Speech Blubs is an excellent resource. It offers video modeling activities where children learn by imitating peers, providing a fun and effective way to practice sounds, words, and sentences, making “smart screen time” truly beneficial.