Motherhood is often described as a transformative journey, and, as both a mom and a speech and language therapist, I find myself traversing paths of empathy, understanding, and patience. Through my experience with my daughter, I’ve gained a deeper perspective on language development and parental concerns. I’m excited to share this journey with you, offering insights and advice to ease the parenting path and support your child’s linguistic growth.
Embracing the Unexpected: My Pregnancy and Postpartum Experience
During my pregnancy, I experienced a myriad of emotions, from excitement to apprehension. I was thrilled to announce our pregnancy to family while wary of the journey ahead. The postpartum period proved to be equally challenging yet rewarding, underscoring the importance of support systems and the strength mothers possess.
The Intersection of Motherhood and Speech and Language Therapy
As a speech and language therapist, I’ve always emphasized empathetic engagement with children and their parents. Once I became a mom, my ability to empathize with parental anxieties deepened significantly. Knowing how it feels to worry about your child’s development, I’ve refined my approach in providing realistic, tailored advice to parents.
Understanding Language Development
Language development is a multi-faceted process, encompassing verbal and non-verbal communication. Before a child utters their first words, their receptive and expressive skills are blossoming. Observing non-verbal cues like eye contact and gesture imitation is just as crucial as noting spoken words.
Tips for Supporting Language Development
- Observe, Wait, and Listen (OWL): a concept from the Hanen Program®. This approach encourages you to slow down and tune into your child’s communication cues. So, before speaking, take a moment to observe what your child is interested in so you can engage with them in a more meaningful and responsive way.
- Provide Corrective Feedback: When your child speaks, naturally model the correct pronunciation or sentence structure within the flow of conversation. Avoid pressuring them to repeat it, as this can lead to frustration and reduce their motivation to communicate.
- Incorporate Language in Daily Life: Language learning doesn’t need to be a structured event. Use everyday routines like meal times and car rides to introduce new words and engage in dialogue.
- Balance Questions with Comments: Instead of only asking your child questions, try repeating what they say to show you’re listening and interested. You can also comment on what they’re doing or what you’re doing. Another powerful strategy is to expand on what your child says by adding one more word or idea.
Debunking Myths Around Language Development
One common myth is, “They’ll grow out of it.” While some children do catch up on their own, many don’t. Waiting to see if things improve can lead to missed opportunities for early support. Early intervention is key. Trust your instincts as a parent. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait! Seek help and talk to a professional.
Another widespread misconception is that multilingualism causes language delays. In reality, multilingualism does not cause speech or language disorders. Research consistently shows that children learning two or more languages develop language skills just as well as monolingual peers.
Screen Time and Its Impact
Current guidelines suggest no screen time before the age of two, except for video chatting. Post two years, screen time should be controlled, with parents actively engaging with and discussing content to foster interaction.
Balancing Professional Insights with Personal Experience
Becoming a mother has refined my professional insights, imbuing my practice with greater empathy and practicality. I’ve applied and adapted speech and language therapy techniques to support my daughter’s development, witnessing firsthand the benefits of informed interaction.
Advice for Parents
- Trust Your Instincts: If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t take a wait-and-see approach. Consult a professional early.
- Talk to Your Kids: Engage with your children across all stages of development, providing them with rich linguistic inputs.
- Prioritize Yourself: Remember, a well-balanced parent is better equipped to nurture their children. Focus on what works for you and your family without succumbing to external pressures.
Conclusion
My journey through motherhood and my role as a speech and language therapist have intertwined to create a nuanced perspective on parenting and child development. I encourage parents to approach these early years with curiosity and kindness, fostering a nurturing environment for both you and your child. If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help support your journey.
You can watch the whole episode on our Youtube Channel or listen to it through the Madinat Mom Podcast Tab
