Now that winter’s here, it’s time to stay inside where it’s warm and cozy, right? Wellll. . . . at Speech Sisters we challenge you not to hibernate but to live on the wild side—bundle up, brave the cold, and get out there and build lasting memories! There’s nothing as invigorating as crisp, fresh winter air! Winter is full of festivity and fun! Whether you’re walking down a slushy street or sliding down an icy hill, there’s so much to see and hear and feel that you run the risk of sensory overload.

Be intentional and use words to describe the moment—

"The snow is CRUNCHY.” “Brrr! The wind is COLD!” “You’re sliding FAST! ZOOM!” When there’s a lot of snow, nothing beats making snow angels and snowmen (or ladies!) And who’s not up for a friendly snowball fight or a secret fort? It’s SO. MUCH. FUN!

And what about the sounds of winter?

Rather than absorbing sound, the frozen ground reflects it, making sounds sharp and clear. Stand still and listen! Is the wind howling or is it whispering? Do you hear the creak of a tree or the crunch of your footsteps in the snow? How about the sound of skates on ice, or the echo of a faraway voice? If you are near a frozen lake, you might be lucky enough to hear the ice boom! And sometimes, the most special sound of winter is its silence. Take the opportunity to share the experiences that only winter has to offer!

Your time outside doesn’t have to last for hours—just stay out as long as you’re having a good time.

And check frequently to be sure your little one’s hands and feet are warm enough. REALITY CHECK: We get it—going outside in the wintertime might be a big stretch. But if you layer up with warm clothes, embrace the cold, and explore the magical world around you, you’ll be so glad you did! And when it’s time to go back inside, you can enjoy sipping on a hot drink then cuddling under a blanket to talk about all the fun things you did together. To learn simple and effective strategies to help get your little one talking, check out our Talk on Track (newborn-14 months) and Time to Talk: Toddler Course (15-36 months). We’d love to equip you to experience the joy of your little one talking to you!