SPEECH & LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIRST YEARS

Are you feeling the "comparison trap" at the playground or in family group chats? Communication in the first few years can feel loaded because it is so closely tied to connection and confidence.

In this masterclass, Kathy (Founder of Pregnant and Popped) sits down with Wanda from Ohana Therapy to bring clarity and calm to paediatric development. We explore what to realistically expect in the early years and share simple, practical ways to support your child’s communication at home - without turning your living room into a therapy room.

✨ CONNECT WITH OUR EXPERTS
👉 Book a Session: Check out Ohana Therapy in our Providers Directory for specialised support in multiple languages:
https://www.pregnantandpopped.com/provider/ohana-therapy

👉 Join The Village: Get access to our WhatsApp support group, expert advice, and exclusive community benefits:
https://www.pregnantandpopped.com/join-the-village

🕒 HIGH-IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
00:03:01 - Why therapy is about equipping parents, not "fixing" the child
00:07:37 - Key Language Milestones: What to expect from 12 to 36 months
00:08:00 - The Golden Rule: Milestones are guideposts, not deadlines
00:10:48 - Defining a "Word": What counts as intentional communication?
00:16:04 - The Truth about Baby Sign Language: Does it delay speech?
00:19:40 - Speech Sound Guide: When should children master "R" and "TH" sounds?
00:25:12 - Modeling in Motion: Using daily routines as natural lessons
00:30:15 - Functional vs. Academic: Why "Mama Help" matters more than "Yellow Circle"
00:33:00 - The 1.4 Million Word Gap: The compounding power of daily reading

📼 VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00:00 - Introduction: Managing the Comparison Trap
00:04:09 - Meet Wanda: A Play-Based, Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
00:06:21 - Understanding the Difference: Speech vs. Language
00:07:37 - Language Milestones (12–36 Months)
00:11:00 - Developmental Stages: Birth to 12 Months
00:16:04 - Myth-Busting: Baby Sign Language & Gestures
00:17:30 - Growing Complexity: Following Instructions & Pronouns
00:19:40 - Speech Sounds & Articulation Guidelines

00:21:35 - Practical Strategies: Modeling Through Play & Routine
00:34:05 - Literacy: Choosing the Best Books for Every Age
00:45:00 - Live Q&A and Community Resources

About Pregnant and Popped:
We help parents navigate the journey of pregnancy and early parenthood with expert-led resources and a supportive "village" community.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with specialist providers for specific concerns.