Helping Children Find Their Voice, One Word at a Time

As a parent of a toddler, you’ve likely been eagerly waiting for your child to say their first words – would it be mommy or daddy? This is a milestone moment that brings joy to every parent. But for some children, these milestones take longer to reach. For parents, the wait can be filled with concern and questions like: Why isn’t my child speaking yet? Will they ever be able to express themselves?

Why Speech Therapy Matters

Speech therapy is so much more than learning to speak—It’s about helping every child connect with the world in their own way.  We know how important it is to express our feelings with our loved ones.  Communication is how we share our needs, thoughts, and emotions. Imagine feeling hungry, excited, or scared—but not having the words to express it. For children with speech delays, this may manifest into tantrums or isolation. 

Early intervention changes this. It gives children the tools they need to express themselves confidently. Whether it’s helping a toddler say their first word or guiding an older child to improve sentence structure, our therapists at LifeLab Kids use personalized play-based strategies that make learning both effective and fun.

When to Seek Help?

Speech and language delays are more common than many parents realize, affecting roughly one in five children. While it’s natural for some kids to take a little longer to start speaking, it’s important to recognize the indicators of a true delay that may require attention. Understanding these signs can help you make informed decisions about seeking support for your child’s communication development.

• Birth to 5 months: Coos, giggles, responds to voices.
  

• 6 to 11 months: Babbles (“ba-ba”), uses gestures, tries to imitate sounds.

• 12 to 17 months: Says a few words, answers simple questions nonverbally, imitates words.

• 18 to 23 months: Knows around 50 words, starts combining words (“more milk”), uses pronouns like “mine.”

• 2 to 3 years: Uses 3-word sentences, understands basic concepts, answers simple questions.

• 3 to 4 years: Groups objects, names colors, expresses thoughts and feelings, enjoys rhymes and jokes.

A Peek Inside Our Speech Therapy Session

At LLK, every speech therapy session is as unique as the child. Here’s what you can expect:

• A Whole-Child Approach: We consider each child’s physical, emotional, and social needs, ensuring therapy fits their specific developmental profile. Using sensory spaces, interactive playrooms, and group activities, we make learning more fun.
  

• Personalized, Play-Based Learning:  Whether through music, storytelling, or movement, our sessions are tailored to your child’s unique interests and strengths.

• Team Effort: We collaborate with BCBAs, teachers, occupational therapists and other therapists to ensure a holistic approach.

• Parent Involvement: Parents are an essential part of the therapy process. We equip parents with tools to continue language development at home, from book recommendations to everyday communication tips.

Helpful Tips for Parents

Research shows that several language-delayed children attain fluent speech at or after age 4. Even if your child is developing speech more slowly than others, staying patient and hopeful can make a difference. As a parent, your support plays a crucial role in your child’s speech therapy journey.

Here are some ways you can support your child, both at home and during therapy:

• Be Patient: Progress takes time, so celebrate every small victory along the way.

• Create a Positive Environment: Engage in conversations, read together, and make communication a joyful and everyday experience.

• Use Visual Supports: Tools like social stories, pictures, or communication apps can complement your child’s therapy.

• Stay Consistent: Regular practice helps build lasting habits.

• Talk to the Therapist: Maintain open communication with your child’s therapist, share your observations, and ask for additional activities or tips to use at home.

5 Fun Activities to Boost Speech Development

Babies are listening from the very beginning. They are slowly learning how to communicate through listening to the sounds around them. They slowly start with eye contact, crying, smiling, giggling and then babbling. In fact, babies cry differently based on what they need. Engaging in some of these fun activities can help support their listening and speech skills.

• Sing Songs Together: Music helps children pick up new words and practice speech in a fun way.

• Play “I Spy”: This game encourages children to describe what they see, improving vocabulary.

• Read Aloud: Interactive reading helps build comprehension and communication skills.

• Narrate Daily Activities: Talk about what you’re doing throughout the day—cooking, cleaning, or driving—to model language use.

• Animal Sounds Game: Connecting animals with their sounds can make language learning exciting!
  • A cow says “moo”
  • A duck says “quack”
  • A chicken says “cluck”

Ready to Get Started?

Your child’s voice matters. Whether they are just beginning their speech journey or need support in refining their communication skills, we are here to help. If you’re searching for personalized pediatric speech therapy in Detroit LifeLab Kids is here to help. With our warm, supportive environment, we’re committed to helping every child find their voice.

Visit us today and see the LLK difference!

Reference Links: 

• https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=age-appropriate-speech-and-language-milestones-90-P02170

• https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/131/4/e1128/31910/Predictors-of-Phrase-and-Fluent-Speech-in-Children?redirectedFrom=fulltext

• https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/language-delay.aspx