Communication Starts Today Tip #4: Create a Reason to Communicate

What happens when we stop anticipating every need and create a small, natural opportunity for our children to communicate? In this episode of The Practical Therapist, LaShonya S. Lacount explores Tip #4 from the Communication Starts Today series: Create a Reason to Communicate. You’ll learn why small changes to everyday routines can create meaningful opportunities for interaction—without pressuring your child to talk. We’ll use two simple examples: 🫧 Bubbles: What happens when you hand your child a closed bubble container instead of automatically opening it? 🍪 Crackers or cookies: How can giving a small amount and briefly pausing create an opportunity for your child to request more? The goal is not to frustrate your child or require a spoken word before responding. Communication may look like a word, sound, gesture, point, reach, look, sign, or AAC response. Remember Tip #4: Create the opportunity. Pause. Notice. Respond. 🎁 Worried Your Toddler Isn't Talking as Much as You Expected?Start with 7 practical ways to encourage communication during the routines you're already doing every day. Get the FREE 13-page Communication Starts Today guide, created by a speech-language pathologist for parents and caregivers. Inside the guide, you'll discover practical ways to: ✓ Follow your child's lead ✓ Model simple language without pressuring your child to repeat ✓ Use waiting to create opportunities for communication ✓ Create natural reasons for your child to communicate ✓ Build communication into play and everyday routines No special toys. No complicated therapy activities. Just practical strategies you can begin using at home. 👉 GET YOUR FREE 13-PAGE GUIDE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/A5sts7p Communication practice doesn't have to happen at a table. Meals. Playtime. Getting dressed. Bath time. Leaving the house. These everyday moments can become opportunities for your child to communicate. Follow The Practical Therapist for more practical communication strategies. 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday!