Waiting for your child’s first words is such an exciting time. We watch for those sweet “mama” or “dada” moments and imagine all the things they’ll soon be able to share with us. But sometimes, the words don’t come when we expect them to.

If your child is a “late talker,” you’re not alone. Many children take a little longer to start using words. Some catch up on their own, while others need a little extra support to get things moving. The good news? There are simple strategies that can make a big difference in helping your child find their voice.

Here are three ways speech-language pathologists (SLPs) often support late talkers—and that you can start trying at home too:

1. Talk Through Everyday Moments

You don’t need flashcards or drills—just use the routines you already have. Snack time, bath time, getting dressed… these are perfect opportunities to add language. For example:

• Instead of asking, “What do you want?” you can model the words for them: “Banana! You’re eating a banana.”
• Point things out as you go: “Socks on. One sock, two socks!”

Hearing words in real-life situations helps your child connect the dots much more easily than being asked to repeat words.

2. Build On What Your Child Says or Points to

If your child says “car,” you can gently expand: “Yes, a big car!” or “Car is driving fast!”
If they point or gesture, you can put words to it: “Oh, you want bubbles!”

This shows your child how to grow from single words into short phrases—without pressure.

3. Create Little Reasons to Communicate

Sometimes kids need a bit of motivation to use their words. You can set up small opportunities, like:

• Giving them a little bit of a snack at a time so they ask for “more.”
• Handing them a toy with the lid closed so they say “help.”
• Pausing in the middle of a favorite song and waiting for them to fill in the missing word or sound.

These little “communication temptations” make talking fun and rewarding.

When to Reach Out for Support

If your child is between 18–24 months and isn’t saying at least a handful of words—or if their vocabulary doesn’t seem to be growing—trust your instincts. It might be time to check in with a speech-language pathologist. Early support can give your child a big boost, not just in talking, but also in learning and connecting with others.

✨ At Calgary West SLP we love helping little ones find their voices and supporting parents with practical tools. If you’re wondering whether your child might need some extra support, reach out—we’re here to help!