When It Comes to Talking Development, “Wait and See” Is Out—“Watch and Support” Is In.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether your toddler’s language skills are on track, you’re not alone. As parents and caregivers, it’s natural to have questions about your child’s development. The good news is that language typically develops in a predictable manner, with children steadily acquiring skills as they grow. But what happens if you feel like your little one isn’t keeping up?

How many times have you heard, “Give it time. They will talk when they are ready” or “My child didn’t talk until they were 4 and now they are a doctor?”

This advice is shared with good intentions, but there are hidden consequences to “wait and see.”

While it’s true that children develop at their own pace, most tend to reach key milestones in speech and language development around the same time. Some children with delayed talking naturally catch up on their own, but others require support to meet their milestones.

So What’s the Risk With “Wait and See?”

Taking a “wait and see” approach can be risky. When toddlers miss key language milestones it may signal an underlying speech or language disorder. Research consistently shows that children with such challenges achieve the best outcomes when they receive early support and intervention.

Don’t Fret Just Yet! “Watch and Support” Instead

Here’s the good news! You don’t have to sit back and wait. This is where “Watch and Support” comes into play!

“Watch and Support” is all about keeping an eye on your little one’s development and using tools to support their growth. Here’s what you can do:

• Learn what to expect. Familiarize yourself with language milestones so you can identify areas where your child may need extra support. - Start today by using our free Language Tracker

• Talk with your pediatrician. Share your concerns - they should be able to help guide you through next steps.

• Explore local resources. Contact local SLPs who may be able to give you more specific information about your little one’s development. Early Intervention Programs (US only) offer free evaluations for children under 3 and support for those children who qualify.

• Learn strategies to help at home. There are simple techniques you can use to encourage language development in your toddler.

• Make it fun! Children learn best through play so make language learning fun!

Trust Yourself - Take Action to Support Your Child’s Voice

It can feel overwhelming to think your child may need extra help, but early support can make a huge difference. By implementing “watch and support” you are taking the first step on the path to ensuring your toddler’s language growth.