"Just talk to them more." "Narrate your day."
If I had a dollar for every time I heard this advice... 🙄
Look, I get it. You've tried the whole "narrate everything" thing. You've talked until you're blue in the face while your toddler stares at you like you're speaking alien. Or worse, they walk away mid-sentence while you're enthusiastically describing how you're opening the pantry door.
And then you're left wondering: Am I doing this wrong? Why isn't this working?
Here's the truth: You're not failing. The advice is just incomplete.
Everyone tells you to narrate your day to your toddler, but no one actually tells you HOW to do it in a way that actually helps them learn.
I've spent over a decade as a speech-language pathologist helping families just like yours. I've watched thousands of parents go from feeling completely lost to finally hearing those sweet first words they've been waiting for.
And today? I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how to narrate in a way that actually works.
The Real Problem With How You're Narrating
Here's what I see happening: Most parents either talk WAY too much (overwhelming their toddler) or they stick to baby talk that doesn't actually teach anything.
But there's a sweet spot. A way to narrate that actually builds language skills instead of just filling the air with noise.
After working with thousands of families, I've developed a specific method that makes narration actually work. It's not about talking more or talking less - it's about talking strategically.
The 4 Key Shifts That Change Everything
Shift 1: Stop the Information Overload
Instead of describing every single thing you're doing, focus on the words that matter most for your child's development.
Shift 2: Match Your Child's Level (Then Stretch It Just a Little)
There's a specific way to meet your toddler where they are linguistically, then gently help them reach the next level.
Shift 3: Make Them the Star of the Story
The secret isn't just talking about what YOU'RE doing - it's about how you narrate what THEY'RE doing that creates those lightbulb moments.
Shift 4: Use the "Plus One" Strategy
If your toddler is already saying some words, there's a simple technique that helps them start combining words naturally.
I Know What You're Thinking...
"But Melissa, this feels too simple. Shouldn't I be giving them MORE language?"
I've been doing this for over a decade. I've seen what works and what doesn't.
The magic is in the simplicity.
When you use this method, you're not just talking AT your toddler, you're teaching them. You're showing them how language works, how words connect to their world, and how communication happens.
Your Child is Doing Their Best
Can I tell you something important? Your child is doing the best they can with the skills they have right now.
If your toddler isn't talking as much as you'd like, it's not because you haven't been talking enough. It's not because you're a bad mom. Sometimes children just need the right strategies to help them connect the dots.
And YOU have the power to be that bridge for them. 🧡
Ready to Stop Wondering "What If?"
This narration method? It's just one piece of my complete framework for helping late talkers thrive at home.
If you're tired of wondering whether you're doing enough... if you're ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start feeling confident about how to help your child...join my free workshop.
Where you'll discover:
- The five step process to get your toddler saying their first 50 words and beyond
- The 3 things you should STOP doing when trying to help your toddler talk and what to do instead
- Your family superpower that you can leverage to teach your toddler how to talk without adding more to your already full plate.
Thousands of parents have gone from feeling helpless to hearing "Mama, look!" and "I love you" faster than they ever imagined possible. Click here to save your spot!
