What Should Parents Do Between Speech Therapy Sessions?
Home practice works best when it is short, specific, realistic, and tied to your child's therapy goals.
Direct answer: Between speech therapy sessions, parents should practice the specific skill the SLP assigned in short, natural moments. The goal is not hours of homework. It is consistent, accurate practice that fits meals, play, reading, routines, and conversations.
Ask for One Clear Target
Home practice works best when the target is specific. Instead of "work on speech," ask whether you should model one sound, expand sentences, use a fluency strategy, support AAC, or practice a feeding routine.
Use Daily Routines
Practice can happen during snack, bath time, car rides, books, homework, or bedtime. Short repetitions are usually easier to sustain than a long worksheet battle.
Track What You Notice
Write down what worked, what was hard, and where the skill showed up naturally. That information helps your child's therapist adjust the plan.
What if speech therapy does not seem to be working?
Ask the SLP to review goals, progress data, diagnosis, frequency, home practice, and whether another approach or referral is needed. Lack of progress should lead to problem-solving, not blame.
Local Speech Therapy Options
Front Range Speech Therapy serves children, teens, and young adults birth through age 21 from Greeley, Colorado. Families commonly visit from Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Evans, Johnstown, Berthoud, Firestone and Carbon Valley, and Mead.
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Ready to Talk Through Your Child's Needs?
If you are wondering whether speech therapy is the right next step, call (720) 798-6930 or apply to become a patient. We will tell you honestly whether Front Range Speech Therapy is a fit for your child's age, needs, and timeline.
This article is educational and does not replace an individualized evaluation or medical advice.