The Talking Child Podcast

Following directions can feel like one of the most frustrating parts of parenting — especially when it seems like your child is ignoring you, walking away, or needing everything repeated over and over again. If that’s where you are right now, take a deep breath. You’re not doing anything wrong, and you’re definitely not alone.

In this episode of The Talking Child Podcast, Steph, a speech-language pathologist, explains why listening is a skill that develops over time and shares gentle, practical ways to support your child’s ability to follow directions — without raising your voice or turning e...

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful foundations of communication—turn-taking. Long before children use words, they learn to connect through looks, smiles, gestures, sounds, and the simple rhythm of “your turn, my turn.” These tiny moments are the heartbeat of early conversations.

You’ll learn how to use pauses, playful waiting, mirroring, and predictable routines to invite your child into back-and-forth interaction. We’ll talk about why following your child’s lead boosts engagement, how copying their actions builds confidence, and why songs and patterns make it easier for them to join in. You’ll also...

If your child understands so much but still isn’t talking, take a deep breath—you’re not failing, and your child is not behind hope. In this episode, we unpack what’s happening beneath the surface during the “silent stage,” when children are absorbing language long before they speak it. You’ll learn why observation is often the first step, how personality and motor-planning affect speech, and why silence can actually mean growth.

We’ll walk through simple, everyday strategies to encourage those first words—offering choices, building motivation, modeling short phrases, and creating playful routines that invite commun...

Does your child wiggle, wander, or walk away halfway through a book? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean story time isn’t working. In today’s episode, we explore how to turn reading into a joyful, language-building experience, even when it looks nothing like the picture-perfect moments you imagined.

You’ll learn how to choose the right books for your child’s stage, make stories interactive and fun, and use simple techniques—like sound effects, gestures, facial expressions, and playful pauses—to spark engagement. You’ll hear why movement isn’t a problem, how “drive-by reading” can ac...

Did you know your kitchen table might be one of the best places to help your child talk more? In this heartwarming and practical episode, Speech-Language Pathologist Steph Karasek shares how to turn everyday mealtime routines into rich opportunities for speech and language growth.

Whether your child is a late talker, has a speech delay, or is just beginning to use words, you’ll learn how to make mealtime a natural space for learning and connection. Steph walks you through three powerful, research-backed strategies that make a big difference — with...

Welcome back to The Talking Child Podcast! In this episode, Steph, a speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience, shares how the simplest moments—stacking blocks, rolling cars, sharing snacks—can become powerful opportunities to grow your child’s language.

You’ll learn three easy strategies that turn play into progress: Follow, Describe, and Delight. Steph explains how to follow your child’s lead, describe what they’re doing in short, playful phrases, and fill each moment with joy and connection. She’ll also show you how to gently expand what your child says using the plus one a...

  Welcome to The Talking Child Podcast! I’m Steph, a speech-language pathologist with over 30 years of experience helping children find their voice. If you’re a parent who worries that your child isn’t talking yet, or if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough to support their communication, you’re in the right place. This podcast was created with you in mind — to be a safe, encouraging space where you can find clear answers, practical tools, and hope for your child’s future.

In this very first episode, I want to introduce myself and share why I’m so...