If the idea of “working on speech” feels overwhelming, this episode is for you. Routines are not rigid, boring, or restrictive — they’re one of the most powerful and supportive tools we have for helping late talkers thrive. In this episode of The Talking Child Podcast, Steph explains how routines turn everyday moments into meaningful language opportunities without adding anything extra to your already full day.

Children feel safest when their world makes sense. Predictable routines help them understand what’s happening now and what’s coming next. When children feel calm and secure, their brains are more open to learning. For late talkers, that sense of predictability can make the difference between shutting down and engaging.

You’ll hear why language grows through repetition, not one-time exposure. When children hear the same words paired with the same actions day after day, understanding begins to build. First they listen, then they anticipate, and eventually they participate — with a look, a gesture, a sound, or a word. That’s how language naturally develops, and routines support every step of the process.

Steph also walks you through how everyday tasks like meals, bath time, getting dressed, and play are already filled with opportunities for language growth. These moments are powerful because they’re meaningful and familiar, making language easier for children to process and remember.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why routines help children feel safe, calm, and ready to learn
• How repetition supports understanding and early communication
• Simple ways to turn daily tasks into natural language moments
• Why using the same words in the same routines builds confidence
• How predictable patterns invite participation — even before words
• The role of play routines in building anticipation and turn-taking
• Why repetition doesn’t limit creativity and actually boosts success

This week’s routine challenge:

Choose one daily routine — like mealtime, bath time, or getting dressed. Pick three or four simple phrases and use them consistently every day. Watch for small signs of anticipation or engagement. Those little responses matter more than you think.

Routines give children structure, confidence, and countless chances to learn language without pressure. Keep repeating, keep playing, and keep celebrating progress — even when it feels small. You’re doing an amazing job.

💛 I’ll see you next week on The Talking Child Podcast.

🌟 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.

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Following directions can feel like one of the most frustrating parts of parenting — especially when it seems like your child is ignoring you, walking away, or needing everything repeated over and over again. If that’s where you are right now, take a deep breath. You’re not doing anything wrong, and you’re definitely not alone.

In this episode of The Talking Child Podcast, Steph, a speech-language pathologist, explains why listening is a skill that develops over time and shares gentle, practical ways to support your child’s ability to follow directions — without raising your voice or turning everyday moments into battles.

You’ll learn why many children struggle with directions, including challenges with attention, language processing, and transitioning away from activities they love. When we understand what’s really happening in our child’s brain, it becomes easier to respond with patience instead of frustration — and that’s where real progress begins.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why listening doesn’t come automatically for young children
• How attention, language, and transitions impact following directions
• Simple ways to get your child’s attention before giving a direction
• How gestures, modeling, and pointing dramatically improve understanding
• Why routines make directions easier and less stressful
• When to simplify directions and focus on one step at a time
• How play and silly games can boost listening skills naturally
• Why connection works better than repeating or raising your voice

Steph also answers common parent questions, like whether children should repeat directions back to you, and what to do when your child doesn’t follow through right away.

This week’s simple challenge:

Choose one daily routine — like snack time, bath time, or getting dressed — and focus on giving one clear, one-step direction, paired with a gesture and a warm tone. Give your child time to process, stay consistent, and notice the small wins.

Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step matters. Your child can learn to follow directions — and you’re already supporting them more than you realize.

💛 You’re doing an incredible job. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on The Talking Child Podcast.

🌟 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

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful foundations of communication—turn-taking. Long before children use words, they learn to connect through looks, smiles, gestures, sounds, and the simple rhythm of “your turn, my turn.” These tiny moments are the heartbeat of early conversations.

You’ll learn how to use pauses, playful waiting, mirroring, and predictable routines to invite your child into back-and-forth interaction. We’ll talk about why following your child’s lead boosts engagement, how copying their actions builds confidence, and why songs and patterns make it easier for them to join in. You’ll also discover how nonverbal turns—smiles, squeals, banging a drum—are just as meaningful as spoken words.

We’ll walk through real examples, answer common parent questions, and give you a simple challenge that turns everyday moments into connection-building opportunities. No flashcards, no pressure—just joy, responsiveness, and shared attention.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel encouraged and equipped to nurture early “conversations” that grow trust, timing, social skills, and language. You’re doing incredible work, and every little turn matters.

🌟 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