One doable next step
Parallel Play Narration
Sit next to your child and narrate what THEY are doing, not what you want them to do. This technique is called 'sportscasting' and builds vocabulary without pressure.
Today inside HomeSLP
20 monthsStart with what feels biggest today.
Set the age, pick the focus, and jump straight to the tool that fits today instead of digging through the app.
Child age right now
First words, routines, and fast-moving developmental shifts.
What feels most urgent right now?
What kind of help do you want first?
Today's snapshot
A quick read on the milestone anchor, one idea, and the next best click.
I'm not sure yetTry one idea today
19-24 months
Follows 2-step directions
Your toddler can handle instructions with two parts: "Get your shoes and bring them to Daddy."
Parent note
If your gut tells you something is off, request a speech-language evaluation. You do NOT need a doctor's referral in most states -- you can self-refer to your local Early Intervention program (before age 3) or contact an SLP directly. Trust your instincts.
Worth watching
Fewer than 50 words by 24 months
Today's tip
Wait 5 Seconds
Any routine6 mo-4 yr
After saying something to your child, count to 5 silently before speaking again. Most parents wait less than 1 second. Five seconds feels like forever but gives your child time to process and respond.
Listen to this tip
Audio
Try this line
Ask 'Do you want milk?' then silently count: one-Mississippi, two-Mississippi... all the way to five. You'll be surprised how often they respond in that gap.
Why this works
Daily parent habit: Small changes in wait time, modeling, and responsiveness compound across the week.
A fresh routine-based idea each day, grounded in how parents actually practice.
Guided next step
This week's deeper plan
Open a full weekly plan when you want more structure than today's quick tip.
Whole-child focus
Move through the day by domain, not by panic.
Jump to the area that matches today's concern, or use these as a quick daily scan when you want to feel more organized.
Speech & Sounds
See what clearer sounds and easier-to-understand talking can look like now.
Language & Understanding
Check vocabulary, listening, and how language is building in daily routines.
Play & Attention
Use play to build attention, imitation, flexibility, and shared engagement.
Feeding & Mealtime
Review mealtime watch-fors and how feeding connects with development.
Behavior & Regulation
Support transitions and calmer routines with predictable communication.
Trusted Resources
Go deeper with clinician-reviewed creators and communities.
A calm reminder
When in doubt, asking is enough.
You do not need to “prove” a problem before you ask for help. If a skill feels off, a routine is stressful, or your child has lost words or abilities they used before, that is enough to start the conversation.
- Bring one specific example from home or daycare.
- Use milestone and quick-check language to describe what you are seeing.
- Ask what to monitor, when to follow up, and whether an SLP evaluation is appropriate.
Start Your Parent Journey
Quick weekly check-ins help you notice your child's progress, build confidence, and earn badges along the way.
Take your first check-in