As you set your intentions for the year ahead, think about the LSL habits you use each day. It’s a great time to freshen up your routine with new tactics and strategies to build your child’s language — or to recommit to old LSL habits that have worked in the past.
Routines are important. Small children in particular rely on routine to garner the security and predictability they need to learn and grow.
But every once in a while, routine can turn into a rut — and all of us get stuck in one sometimes.
As early interventionists we know that feeling of trying to come up with something new for the kids and families we see week to week — hoping to gain and to keep their attention. As parents we get tired! Some weeks go better than others. Some weeks you have to spend a lot of time in audiology. Some weeks it’s more work just to get the technology working.
As early interventionists we know that feeling of trying to come up with something new for the kids and families we see week to week — hoping to gain and to keep their attention.
As parents we get tired! Some weeks go better than others. Some weeks you have to spend a lot of time in audiology. Some weeks it’s more work just to get the technology working.
If you find yourself in this place, don’t get discouraged. This time of year the whole world is talking about recommitting to old, good habits and trying some new ones on for size.
As you settle into a post-holiday rhythm and set your intention for the year ahead, it’s a great time to consider some of the LSL habits you use each day. Freshen up your repertoire. Maybe even consider adding a new tactic to the tool belt you use to build your child’s language.
The LSL in Daily Life section of our website lists the “Top 10 LSL ways to build your child’s language.” We wanted to expand on that list by offering up some concrete strategies you may consider using in the months to come.
Some of these strategies may be new to you and others may be old hat. All of us have seasons where things are particularly hard or particularly busy. In these times it’s common to get stuck in survival mode — to put our heads down and just try to push through. Here are some questions to consider when using this post to make your own plans:
Perhaps some habits have fallen by the wayside. Which habit might you choose from this list that would raise the bar? You may feel like you’re stuck in rut with a strategy on this list. For example, maybe you’re in a rut with words and have struggled to use synonyms lately. Which one do you need to practice for a while to move forward? Which habits on this list would be helpful to talk to a professional about? As a professional, which item on this list would be a priority for the families you’re working with? Go back through the list and work together to figure out what’s best for their child.
Perhaps some habits have fallen by the wayside. Which habit might you choose from this list that would raise the bar?
You may feel like you’re stuck in rut with a strategy on this list. For example, maybe you’re in a rut with words and have struggled to use synonyms lately. Which one do you need to practice for a while to move forward?
Which habits on this list would be helpful to talk to a professional about? As a professional, which item on this list would be a priority for the families you’re working with? Go back through the list and work together to figure out what’s best for their child.