The 5 Most Common Questions SLPs Hear

And the Bigger Ones You're Really Asking

 

Lately, I’ve been talking to a lot of moms. Conversations that start off with developmental milestones or toy recommendations often land somewhere deeper. I keep thinking the same thing: why do we overcomplicate and overthink things?

We’re trying so hard! We want to do the right thing, be the right parent, give our kids the best. And yet, so many of us feel paralyzed or stuck, because we’re holding invisible expectations we never named out loud. We carry the pressure of “doing it right” and wonder if we’re already behind (and if our kids are too).

It’s no surprise too, the internet gives us everything. There’s expert advice, beautiful routines, rainbow-colored snack bins and Pinterest-worthy playrooms. There’s a course for that. A guide. A support group. A podcast. A parenting program. All good and all helpful. I’ve used them, too.

But sometimes we get stuck and do… nothing.

We believe it’s all or nothing. That if we can’t do everything, we might as well not do anything at all. But that’s just not true.

You can feel peace. You can simplify. You can make intentional progress right where you are and with what you already have.

★★★★★

That’s why we created the signature Play Guide. We wanted to close the gap between your everyday life and the expectations you’re holding in your head. To make language learning feel more like play and less like pressure. Because when we bring reality and expectation closer together, the tension eases. The joy returns.

And that brings us to today’s topic: the top 5 questions we get as SLPs. You’ve likely asked one (or all) of these before and underneath them all, I think you might be wondering something deeper.

“Can we do this?”

“Can we handle this?”

“Is it all going to be okay?”

Our answer? Yes.

1. Is my child meeting their milestones? Or are they behind?

Milestones can be helpful markers, but they’re not a final verdict. Children develop at different rates, and variation is normal. With that being said, if you’re wondering about your child’s communication or development, trust your instinct. SLPs are here to help you sort through that uncertainty.

In this post, we break milestones down into three key areas:

  1. Receptive language (understanding)

  2. Expressive language (self-expression)

  3. Social language (communicating with others).

These milestones are from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and can be found here. They offer a helpful guideline, but they are just that, a guideline.



2. What can I do at home? (To support speech and language development?)

This is our favorite question because it’s why Elevate Toddler Play exists. The answer? So much. From snack time to bath time, play time and every routine is a chance to build vocabulary, connection, and confidence.



3. What toys should I get to help with language development?

We don’t mind repeating ourselves: You don’t need to buy more. You just need to play with what you have on purpose. We designed our play guide around 10 timeless, classic toys you likely already own and show you exactly how to use them to teach early language concepts.



4. My child isn't talking yet— should I be worried?

Not talking yet doesn’t always mean something is wrong. It is a reason to ask more questions. Early intervention can make a big difference, and knowing what to look for helps you take your next steps.

In the post below, we walk you through key skills toddlers need before they start talking, what actually counts as a “word”, and easy, actionable ways to encourage early communication.



5. What does an SLP actually do? When should I reach out?

This one makes me smile. Mainly because when my daughter was asked what her mommy did for work one day, she responded: she helps people think and talk. 😅 She wasn’t wrong! Speech-Language Pathologists do more than help kids “say their R’s.” We support communication in all its forms: speech sounds, understanding directions, expressing needs, social interaction, feeding, and more.

If you're ever unsure, reach out. Don’t hesitate to ask. It’s our joy to guide you and offer peace of mind.

Logistically, you can start by talking to your pediatrician or contacting a local SLP. Many offer free phone consults, and depending on your child’s age, you may even be eligible for early intervention or school-based services. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

And maybe the most important answer of all?

You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to keep showing up with your presence, intention, and love.

You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re a parent who cares deeply and that’s more than enough.

The questions you’re carrying? They matter. Keep asking them. That’s how we learn. That’s how we grow. That’s one way we can love our kids well.

I love what Erin Loechner said:

“Creating space for the questions is always a worthy exploration… Eventually they string together – the questions – to say something bigger about ourselves than the answers ever would.”

So let’s keep asking. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep playing.

You’re doing better than you think. And we’re so glad you’re here.

TOOLS TO TURN PLAY TIME INTO LEARNING TIME:

Parent TipsBrooke WiegandComment