What to Do When You’re Worried About Your Toddler’s Speech

Every child communicates in their own way and on their own timeline. Everyday play — like exploring toys and taking turns — helps build the foundation for language and connection.

It’s natural to worry when your toddler isn’t talking as much as you expected. Maybe your friend’s child is already chatting in short sentences, while your little one still relies on gestures or a few single words. You might find yourself wondering: Is this normal? Should I wait and see, or should I get help?

The truth is that every child develops communication skills on their own timeline — but there are key differences between a “late talker” and a child who may have a language delay. Understanding those differences can help you decide when to seek guidance and how to best support your child at home.

Understanding Late Talking vs. Language Delay

A late talker is a child (typically between 18–30 months) who has strong understanding skills, good play and social engagement, and typical motor development — but whose expressive vocabulary (spoken words) is smaller than expected for their age.

A language delay, on the other hand, means that both understanding (receptive language) and expression (expressive language) may be impacted. In those cases, a child might have trouble following directions, understanding new words, or engaging in back-and-forth play in addition to limited talking.

While the two can look similar on the surface, they call for different levels of support. A speech-language pathologist can help determine which category your child fits into and what kind of strategies will make the biggest difference.

When to Seek an Evaluation

You don’t need to wait until your child is in preschool to reach out for help. Early intervention can make a big difference. Consider a speech-language evaluation if your child:

• Uses fewer than 50 words by age 2

• Isn’t combining two words together (like “more milk” or “mommy go”) by 24–30 months

• Doesn’t respond consistently to their name or familiar directions

• Seems frustrated when trying to communicate

• Isn’t engaging in play that involves pretending or taking turns

  
  

Even if you’re not sure whether your child “needs” therapy, a screening or consultation can offer valuable insight — and peace of mind.

When parents follow their child’s lead in play, communication blossoms naturally. By joining in on what interests your child, you create meaningful opportunities for connection and language growth.

How Parents Can Help at Home

You are your child’s best communication partner. The way you interact during everyday routines can have a huge impact. Here are some of the most powerful, research-based strategies you can start using today:

1. Follow your child’s lead. Talk about what they’re interested in, not just what you want them to focus on.

2. Get face to face. Being at your child’s level helps them see your facial expressions, gestures, and mouth movements.

3. Model language naturally. Instead of asking questions (“What’s that?”), comment on what you see (“That’s a big truck!”).

4. Expand on what your child says. If they say “dog,” you can say “brown dog” or “dog running.”

5. Use repetition and routines. Children learn language best through predictable, everyday moments like snack time, bath time, and getting dressed.

   
   

These techniques come from evidence-based parent coaching frameworks such as the Hanen® approach and our SPARKS model, which help caregivers create rich opportunities for communication throughout the day.

Don’t Wait and See — Watch and Support

Many parents are told to “wait and see,” but we encourage you to “watch and support.” Early connection and communication are the foundation for learning, confidence, and relationships. With the right guidance, most children make wonderful progress once their environment is tuned in to how they communicate best.

Learning together starts here. Our free mini-course helps parents understand late talking, build communication through everyday routines, and feel confident supporting their child’s progress.

Next Steps

If you’re feeling uncertain or just want to learn more, we’ve created a free mini course for parents called👉 “Let’s Talk: Understanding and Supporting Your Late-Talking Toddler.”

In this short, self-paced course, you’ll learn:

• Key communication milestones

• How to tell if your child is a “late talker”

• Simple ways to encourage speech and language everyday

• When and how to seek professional support

  
  

You can access it anytime here:🔗Let’s Talk: Understanding and Supporting Your Late Talking Toddler

Final Thoughts

Remember — every child’s path to communication is unique. Whether your toddler is using gestures, single words, or short phrases, your loving attention and engagement matter most. Trust your instincts, stay curious, and reach out for support when you need it. Together, we can turn everyday moments into opportunities for connection and growth.