Does your toddler whine, grunt, point, or scream instead of using words?
You’re not alone and you’re not doing anything wrong.

In this episode of The SLP Mom Podcast, we’re talking about one of the most common (and frustrating) stages of early communication: when kids want to communicate but don’t yet have the words to say it.

You’ll learn:

• Why whining, grunting, and pointing are actually positive signs of communication
• How to figure out what your child is trying to say in the moment
• Exactly what to model when your child is frustrated
• How signs, visuals, and simple choices can reduce meltdowns
• When to gently encourage words... and when to ease off

I’ll walk you through practical, real-life strategies you can start using today to support your child’s language without increasing frustration for either of you.

If you’ve ever thought, “I know he knows the word, why won’t he just say it?”
This episode is for you.

💛 You’re doing a great job, mama! Let’s help your child find their words.

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The Ultimate Gift Guide Ebook

If you’ve ever found yourself counting your toddler’s words and wondering if they’re on track, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode of The SLP Mom Podcast, I’m answering one of the most common questions parents ask:
“How many words should my 18-month-old be saying?”

We’ll talk about the real numbers you need to know — including the difference between averages and milestones — and why that distinction matters so much for your peace of mind. I’ll explain what actually counts as a word (yes, animal sounds and approximations count!) and why pronunciation isn’t something to stress about at this age.

More importantly, we’ll go beyond word count and look at the bigger picture of communication, including the prelinguistic skills that lay the foundation for spoken language.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The expected speech milestones for an 18-month-old
• What counts as a “word” (and what doesn’t)
• Why comparing your child to others can be misleading
• Signs your child is building a strong language foundation
• When it may be time to seek a speech and language evaluation
• Simple next steps you can take right now to support language growth at home

If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or just want clear guidance without the fear-based noise, this episode will help you feel more confident about where your child is — and what to do next.

💛 Be sure to grab my free guide “How to Get Your Child Talking: 3 Dos and Don’ts” for simple, practical ways to support your child’s speech at home.

You’re doing a really good job, mama.

Connect with Erin, The SLP Mom!
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Get Your Child Talking Guide
The Ultimate Gift Guide Ebook

If you’re trying to support your child’s speech this year and wondering what you should actually be doing at home, this episode is for you.

In last week’s episode, we talked about the most important first step in language development: knowing where your child is at. Because once parents understand that, the next question is always the same…

“Okay… now what?”

In today’s episode of The SLP Mom Podcast, I’m sharing the exact strategies I teach every single family I work with, no matter where their child is in their language journey — whether they’re working on gestures, first words, short phrases, or talking up a storm at home.

These are not complicated or overwhelming techniques.
They’re simple, predictable, and effective.
And you can start using them today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The four foundational language strategies that work at every developmental level
• How pausing creates space for communication
• Why modeling language works better than quizzing
• How giving choices naturally encourages words and communication
• Why verbal routines build confidence and participation
• How to support speech without pressure, worksheets, or special toys

These strategies are the backbone of early language development — and they fit seamlessly into your everyday routines.

If you’re looking for simple ways to support your child’s communication without burnout or overwhelm, this episode will help you feel confident and empowered moving forward.

💛 Don’t forget to download my free guide “How to Get Your Child Talking: 3 Dos & Don’ts” for clear, parent-friendly next steps you can start using today.

You’re doing an incredible job, mama!

Connect with Erin, The SLP Mom!
IG: @the.slp.mom
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Email: [email protected]

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Get Your Child Talking Guide
The Ultimate Gift Guide Ebook

If you’re worried about your child’s speech and wondering where to even start, this episode is for you.

Before we talk about strategies, toys, or activities, the most important first step in helping your child communicate is understanding where they are right now in their language development.

In this episode, I walk you through how to figure out whether your child is with their language and walk you through each step.

We’ll talk about what really counts as communication (hint: it’s more than just spoken words), why comparing your child to others can be misleading, and how meeting your child one step up is the key to real progress.

This episode will help you feel more confident about:

• What your child should be working on right now
• What you should be modeling at home
• And how to stop guessing and start supporting your child in a way that actually helps

If you’ve ever thought, “I just want to know what I should be doing,” this is your starting point.

10 BUILDING BLOCKS HANDOUT

Connect with Erin, The SLP Mom!
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Get Your Child Talking Guide
The Ultimate Gift Guide Ebook

As we head into a fresh new year, this episode is all about helping you feel confident—not overwhelmed—when it comes to supporting your toddler’s speech at home. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the most common mistakes parents make when trying to help their child talk…and why none of them make you a “bad” parent. They’re simply habits no one teaches you to avoid.

You’ll learn:
✔️ Why asking too many questions can actually shut down talking
✔️ The simple pause strategy that sparks more language
✔️ What “real progress” actually looks like (hint: it’s not just words!)
✔️ The problem with relying on screens, flashcards, and “learning” toys
✔️ How to model language in everyday routines
✔️ Why personality plays a big role in public talking
✔️ What to stop doing—and what to start doing—in 2026

This episode is here to help you release the pressure, let go of guilt, and step into a new year feeling educated and empowered.

And if you want more support, make sure you grab my free guide: How to Get Your Child Talking: 3 Dos & Don’ts

Also, the 10 Building Blocks of Preverbal Language handout

Connect with Erin, The SLP Mom!
IG: @the.slp.mom
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Email: [email protected]

FREEBIES!
Get Your Child Talking Guide
The Ultimate Gift Guide Ebook

Is extra screen time during the holidays going to cause a speech delay? Parents ask this every year, and we get into it here. In this episode, pediatric speech-language pathologist and mom of four, Erin Larsen, explains why holiday screen time isn’t something to stress about and what actually supports your child’s communication skills during busy seasons.

You’ll learn what really causes speech delays, how to keep your toddler’s language development on track during routine changes, and simple ways to model language while still surviving the holiday chaos. Erin also shares easy, low-pressure strategies that fit naturally into your day-no structured activities, no guilt, and no pressure to “do more.”

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, worried, or guilty about screen time this season, this episode will bring reassurance, clarity, and practical language-boosting tips you can use right away.

Connect with Erin, The SLP Mom!
IG: @the.slp.mom
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Email: [email protected]

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Get Your Child Talking Guide
The Ultimate Gift Guide Ebook

Many parents worry when their toddler talks up a storm at home but goes completely quiet at family gatherings. Does it mean something is wrong? Is it a speech delay? Does it mean they aren’t making progress?

In this episode, pediatric speech-language pathologist and mom of four Erin Larsen explains why it is totally normal for young children to talk less—or not at all—in busy, overwhelming, or unfamiliar holiday settings. Erin breaks down what’s really happening in your child’s nervous system, why public “performances” aren’t a true measure of speech development, and how to support your child when well-meaning family members start asking about talking and word counts.

You’ll learn why home progress matters most, how to protect your child’s confidence, what to say when someone comments on their speech abilities, and how personality plays a major role in social communication. This episode will help you let go of the guilt, release unrealistic expectations, and enjoy the holiday season with far less stress around talking.

Perfect for parents of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who want reassurance and practical guidance rooted in developmental science—shared in a warm, relatable way.

Connect with Erin, The SLP Mom!
IG: @the.slp.mom
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Email: [email protected]

FREEBIES!
Get Your Child Talking Guide
The Ultimate Gift Guide Ebook

Wondering how to support your toddler’s speech during the busy holiday season (without adding more to your plate)? In this episode of The SLP Mom Podcast, a pediatric speech-language pathologist shares one simple, low-pressure strategy to grow your child’s vocabulary through everyday holiday experiences. Learn why modeling seasonal words naturally during movies, books, and outings can make a powerful difference in your child’s language development.

Perfect for parents of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who want simple speech tips that actually fit into real life.

Winter Book Favorites

Connect with Erin, The SLP Mom!
IG: @the.slp.mom
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Email: [email protected]

FREEBIES!
Get Your Child Talking Guide
The Ultimate Gift Guide Ebook

Have you ever stood in the toy aisle feeling totally overwhelmed—wondering which toys will actually help your child learn and which are just loud, flashy, and labeled “educational” for marketing? You’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to choose toys that truly support your child’s speech and language development—without needing batteries, screens, or expensive “learning” labels. You’ll learn:

• What really makes a toy great for language growth
• Why simple, open-ended toys often work better than electronic ones
• How to spot toys that encourage talking, interaction, and imagination
• What to skip (even if the box says “educational”)
• How to choose toys for birthdays, holidays, and everyday play with confidence

Whether your child is just starting to talk, is a late talker, or you simply want to make sure you’re supporting their development the best way possible—this episode will give you clear, practical guidance you can use immediately.

And if you’ve ever wondered, “Am I buying the right toys?”—this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and let’s make toy choices feel simple again.

**Grab the FREE GIFT GUIDE below!

Connect with Erin, The SLP Mom!
IG: @the.slp.mom
FB: The SLP Mom
Youtube: The SLP Mom
Email: [email protected]

FREEBIES!
Get Your Child Talking Guide
The Ultimate Gift Guide Ebook

Babbling is one of the most exciting early milestones—and one that often leaves parents with questions (and worries!). In today’s episode, we’re talking all things babbling:

• When should it start?
• What should it sound like?
• What if your baby isn’t doing it yet?
• And most importantly—how can YOU encourage it in everyday routines?

I’ll walk you through the difference between canonical and variegated babbling (in mom-friendly terms), why this stage matters so much for speech development, and what simple, realistic things you can do starting today to boost those pre-language skills.

And if your baby is a little behind—don’t panic. I’ll explain the signs to watch for, when to check in with a professional, and how early intervention can make all the difference.

Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned parent wondering if your baby is on track, this episode will bring clarity and confidence. 💛

My email inbox is open for you💛- [email protected]

Connect with Erin, The SLP Mom!
IG: @the.slp.mom
FB: The SLP Mom
Youtube: The SLP Mom
Email: [email protected]

FREEBIES!
Get Your Child Talking Guide
The Ultimate Gift Guide Ebook