You're already your child's best therapist — here's how to lean into it

You don't need a degree to be your child's most effective teacher. You have something no therapist can replicate: you're there all day, every day. A therapist might see your child for a few hours a week, but you're present for hundreds of learning moments — meals, bath time, walks, bedtime, errands.

The secret is embedding practice into routines you're already doing. During meals, work on requesting ("Do you want more? Tell me 'more.'"). During dressing, practice motor skills and sequencing. During play, model language by narrating what your child is doing: "You're stacking the blocks! One, two, three blocks!"

Three strategies that work across almost every area of development: First, follow your child's lead. If they're fascinated by trains, use trains to teach colors, counting, and requesting. Motivation is the engine of learning. Second, create communication temptations. Put a favorite toy in sight but out of reach. Pause in the middle of a beloved song. Give them a closed container they need help opening. These moments create natural motivation to communicate.

Third, celebrate the attempt, not just the result. If your child reaches for a cup instead of signing "drink," that reach is communication. Acknowledge it, model the next step, and keep the interaction positive. Progress isn't a straight line — it's a squiggly one, and every squiggle counts.