Help Me Grow Speech is an INCREDIBLE resource for parents of young kids. When my son was around 18 months, I was worried that he was a little behind in expressive speech - he understood everything, and could sign to communicate the basics, but he seemed unmotivated to actually speak out loud (at least to the degree that I thought he should). Honestly, I had no idea if he was behind, or if I should be worried, or what I should do about it. Lindsey provided guidance that my pediatrician didn't (not faulting my pediatrician, who is great, and actually provided the same guidance as Lindsey - just months later). First she worked with my son one on one (see attached video) - but the most valuable thing she did was teach ME things, such as useful signs, how to incorporate learning words into songs (really the only songs I know are itsy bitsy spider and some 90s rap/R&B), etc. These are things that no one focuses on in those "how to prepare for your baby" articles! You have to seek it out, and even then, the information out there is not really helpful. In the video I'm including with my review, Lindsey taught my son how to say/sign "I want" within like, 5 minutes. I was so excited. And it was simple, just part of the game she was playing with him! As a parent, especially a first-time parent, I was so caught up in the mechanics of my child's day - always watching the clock, did he eat enough, did he poop his diaper, is he about to touch something dangerous, etc. - that my mindset was so far away from using "play" to teach speech. These are the golden tips, people. And now she has a YouTube channel where she teaches you these tips, for FREE! and a free Facebook group! I actually took my son to speech therapy sessions for about a month or so - it was $80/session (30 minute sessions), twice a week. Are you serious. I can understand the investment if there is an actual developmental issue - but my son just lacked the proper motivation and teaching from me, his parent. Now he's 25 months, and I actually can't get him to stop talking, it's rough sometimes.
TLDR: Help Me Grow Speech is a perfect resource for parents who aren't sure whether their young child's speech and language is on track, or need some ideas on how to improve speech development. read more