As parents we always wonder if we are doing enough for our kids.

Did I remember to turn the sound machine on?

Did I buy the right brand of puree?

Does my son need a larger coat for the winter?

Did my daughter get enough milk today?

We carry such a large mental load as parents. When it comes to our child’s overall development, we often wonder if we are really doing enough. 

Have you heard of the 80/20 principle? It is a way of thinking through our decisions and choices from a stance of progress instead of perfection.

That’s why we admire taking a holistic approach to our child’s development, even when it comes to their speech development. 

Let’s explore how greater lifestyle choices, nutrition, sleep, and parenting practices can impact a child's speech development and how taking a holistic approach considers all aspects of a child's growth and development.

The Importance of Nutrition for Speech Development

Research shows that proper nutrition can play a significant role in speech and language development. Nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for neurological development. 

Inadequate intake of these nutrients can lead to delayed speech and language acquisition, poor cognitive performance, and even long-term learning difficulties. By prioritizing nutrition, we can support our children's growth and development, especially in the areas of speech and language.

We love hearing from nutrition experts like Mama Knows Nutrition for ways to incorporate healthy meals and snacks into our kids’ daily routine.

Here are some practical tips for supporting nutrition:

• Offer a variety of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats.
• Ensure an adequate intake of iron-rich foods like dark green vegetables, beans, poultry, and fish.
• Incorporate vitamin B12-rich sources like meat, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals.
• Add omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish, nuts, and seeds.
• Minimize processed foods, added sugars, or high salt intake.

Believe it or not, incorporating nutrient-rich foods into our children's diets can help nourish their speech development! 

Adequate Sleep Supports Appropriate Developmental Milestones

When it comes to baby sleep, we love hearing from sleep expert Cara of Taking Cara Babies. We’ve been following her for years and find that she uses such a nurturing approach to sleep training.

According to Cara’s research, quality sleep is crucial for the development of babies' brains and for consolidating memories. Research indicates that babies with better consolidated nighttime sleep tend to have higher cognitive scores. 

Additionally, babies who sleep well at night often display an "easier" temperament, being more approachable, less distractible, and more adaptable. Overall, sleep plays a vital role in every aspect of development, mood, and life in general.

• Understand wake windows for each stage of development and use them to engage in learning opportunities with your baby
• Follow a bedtime routine like this one for your baby or toddler!
• Take it one day at a time. Your child will find consistency in their sleep routine and remember – this is one phase of their development. 

When your child is getting adequate sleep, they are much more likely to engage in play, imitation, and other activities that support their developmental milestones! 

Cultivating a Nurturing Environment for Speech Development

Nutrition is only one aspect of supporting our children's speech and language development. Creating a nurturing environment that encourages communication is equally crucial. Some tips include:

• Talk to your baby and toddler often, even if they cannot respond yet.
• Engage in interactive play that involves communication, such as singing, storytelling, and imitation games.
• Read books, label common objects and actions, or describe what you see to expand vocabulary.
• Praise your child's speech efforts, using positive reinforcement to enhance confidence and motivation.
• Minimize screen time and follow the AAP guidelines
• Seek support from speech-language pathologists if concerns arise.

Our mission is to equip parents with the tools to help their child communicate! You are with your child the most often – take the opportunity to build language skills with them while you can.

How Speech Sisters Can Help:

• 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! 
• If you've ever asked the question, "does my child need speech therapy?" you can check out our free 45-min webinar here!

If your child is facing challenges with speech articulation, our Tiny Articulators course offers a proactive solution to help them speak more clearly and consistently. Don't wait, take action now and empower your child with the gift of confident speech!