marketing, Author at SmallTalk

Should My Child Start Speech Therapy? What Parents Should Know

Featured, General, Speech Therapy | Jul 16, 2025 3 min read

When you’re worried about your child’s speech development, it can feel overwhelming to know what to do next. Maybe you’ve heard well-meaning advice like, “They’ll grow out of it,” or “Just wait and see.” But how do you know if waiting is the right choice? What if early speech therapy could help your child thrive?

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we often meet parents who aren’t sure whether to seek support or give their child more time. Here’s what you should know to make an informed decision.

Understanding Speech and Language Milestones

All children develop at their own pace, but there are general milestones most kids reach around certain ages. For example:

By 12 months: Babbling, using gestures, responding to their name.
By 18 months: Saying about 10–20 words.
By 2 years: Using two-word phrases (“more juice,” “mama help”).
By 3 years: Speech is clear enough for familiar adults to understand most of what they say.

You can read more about specific milestones with our Developmental Checklist. If your child is significantly behind in these milestones, it may be time to consider an evaluation.

The “Wait and See” Approach

Many parents are told to wait and see if their child will “catch up.” While this can be appropriate in some cases, especially when there is steady progress, delaying help can also mean missing the window when therapy is most effective.

Research shows that early intervention leads to better outcomes in speech and language development. If a delay is identified early, therapy can help build skills before gaps widen.

A 2011 meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found that parent-led early speech interventions significantly improved expressive language in young children—especially those under age 3 (Roberts & Kaiser, 2011). These findings support the importance of not delaying care when communication concerns arise.

Benefits of Starting Speech Therapy Early

Here are a few reasons why acting early can be so powerful:

Brain Plasticity: Young children’s brains are more adaptable, making it easier to learn new communication skills.
Confidence: Kids often feel frustrated when they can’t express themselves. Therapy helps reduce this frustration and build self-esteem.
Social Connection: Communication delays can impact play and peer relationships. Early support helps kids engage more successfully with others.
Family Support: Therapy gives you tools and strategies to help your child at home.

When to Seek an Evaluation

You don’t need a referral to have your child evaluated by one of our speech-language pathologists. If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to schedule an eval:

Your child is not meeting speech milestones for their age.
They appear frustrated by not being understood.
They rarely imitate sounds or words.
You have a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right. Trust your instincts—you know your child best.

How SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy Can Help

At SmallTalk, we believe in early, compassionate, play-based therapy that meets kids where they are. Our licensed speech-language pathologists will:

Assess your child’s speech and language skills.
Create an individualized treatment plan.
Guide you on how to support your child at home.
Celebrate every success, big and small!

You Don’t Have to Wait and Wonder

If you have concerns about your child’s speech, you don’t have to navigate them alone. Early intervention doesn’t mean something is “wrong”, it means you’re giving your child every opportunity to communicate confidently.

New Chapter, Same Heart

Featured, General, News | Jun 26, 2025 3 min read

A letter from our founder, Jen Traina:

In 2004, my third child was born eight weeks early. Like many of the families we now serve, I found myself suddenly navigating a world I hadn’t planned for—one filled with delayed milestones, specialists, and therapy appointments. He didn’t walk independently until nearly two years old. At the time, we lived in La Mesa, and I was driving over 30 minutes each way for physical therapy appointments twice a week. It was exhausting—managing traffic, parking, wrangling my two other little ones in the waiting room, and trying to make it all work.

I was a speech-language pathologist myself and had always believed in the power of family-centered care. But what we were experiencing didn’t feel that way at all. It felt like we were just going through the motions, not being seen as a whole family with unique needs. And that’s when the idea for SmallTalk started to take shape. I knew East County needed something different—something warmer, more supportive, more centered on both the child and the family.

We opened SmallTalk in a 300-square-foot office on Chase Avenue in El Cajon. That tiny space was full of heart and big dreams. Over the years, we expanded within the same building, eventually growing into the clinic many of you have come to know and love. In 2011, we opened a second location in Sabre Springs, followed by Old Town in 2014—both of which eventually found new homes in Scripps Ranch and Mission Valley.

Through all this growth, East County remained our home base. It’s where we started. It’s where we stayed.

Now, after more than 20 years in the same El Cajon building, we’re taking the next step: just four miles down the road to La Mesa. Starting June 23rd, our East County clinic has a brand-new home at:

7862 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 200, La Mesa, CA 91942

This new clinic was designed with families in mind—more therapy rooms, a bigger gym, a cozy waiting area, and (a personal favorite) much easier parking. And most importantly, it’s the same caring team, the same playful, child-led therapy, and the same commitment to your family.

Watching SmallTalk grow from that tiny office to over 17,000 square feet across San Diego has been one of the greatest joys of my life. We’ve added Child Development Centers, virtual services, and more—but what hasn’t changed is our heart. East County isn’t just where we started—it’s who we are.

To all the families who have trusted us over the years: thank you. You’ve helped shape SmallTalk into the place it is today. We can’t wait to welcome you into our new La Mesa space and continue this journey together.

With gratitude,
Jen Traina
CEO and Founder, SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy

Summer Speech & OT Tips: Five Ways to Support Your Child’s Development at Home

Activities, Featured, General | Jun 18, 2025 3 min read

Summer break is here—and while it’s a great time to relax and recharge, it can also be the perfect season to support your child’s developmental goals through fun, play-based activities. Whether your child is working on communication, motor skills, or sensory regulation, there are plenty of simple ways to keep therapy going at home.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we believe that kids learn best through play—and summer is full of playful opportunities. Here are some therapist-approved tips to help you make the most of the season.

1. Build Speech Skills Through Everyday Moments

Language is everywhere! Use summer outings—like beach trips, park days, or even grocery runs—to model vocabulary, ask open-ended questions, and encourage your child to describe what they see or feel. For younger children, narrate your activities and encourage imitation. For older kids, play games like “I Spy” or storytelling prompts in the car.

Try this: Pack a “summer bag” and talk through each item: “This is sunscreen. It keeps our skin safe!”

2. Make Sensory Play a Daily Routine

Sensory bins, sand play, water tables, and even messy play with shaving cream or finger paint can help children with sensory processing challenges stay regulated and engaged. Summer is a great time to get messy outdoors!

Try this: Fill a bin with water, sponges, and cups for a simple, calming sensory station.

3. Strengthen Fine Motor Skills with Summer Crafts

From sidewalk chalk to water balloons, summer is full of hands-on activities that boost coordination. Crafts like beading, finger painting, and cutting shapes are great for improving grip strength and control—key goals in occupational therapy.

Try this: Make homemade lemonade and let your child squeeze the lemons, stir, and pour—great for hand strength and sequencing.

4. Keep a Routine—but Keep it Flexible

Kids thrive on predictability. Try keeping some structure to your summer days (e.g., morning chores, mid-morning activity, afternoon free play), but allow room for spontaneity. Consistent mealtimes, bedtime routines, and regular movement breaks support both sensory and communication development.

Tip: Use visual schedules to help your child understand what’s coming next.

5. Stay Connected with Your Therapy Team

If your child is enrolled in speech or OT over the summer, be sure to attend regularly—and talk with your therapist about summer goals and carryover activities. If you’re taking a break, ask for a few at-home strategies to keep skills fresh.

Not in therapy yet? Summer is a great time to schedule an evaluation or get started without the school-year rush!

SmallTalk is Here to Help All Summer Long

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we’re here to support your family year-round—with fun, effective, and compassionate care. Whether you’re continuing therapy this summer or want ideas to use at home, our team is always happy to share tools and encouragement.

If you have questions about your child’s speech, motor, or sensory development, schedule an evaluation today.

Here’s to a summer full of growth, play, and connection!

From My Heart to Yours: A Grandmother’s Perspective on Children’s Therapy

Featured, General, Stories, Therapy | May 20, 2025 3 min read

By Shauna Oakes

Sometimes, when I walk through the halls in one of our clinics, I hear laughter creeping out from therapy rooms. At times I hear the frustration of a child who is just learning constructive ways to express emotions. And other times I see creative art pieces lovingly assembled by small hands or groups of children learning to work together. But every day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude that this is the work I get to be part of.

I’m a grandmother and that role defines my heart. But I’m also the administrative director here at SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy-a place that has become a second home not just for me, but for so many families navigating life with little ones who need a bit of extra support.

From the desks I have occupied, I have seen it all: the worried looks of new parents walking in for their first visit, the nervous energy of kiddos not quite sure why they are there or what to expect. But then-over time-the incredible transformation that happens when trust, patience, and care take root.

The Strength in Showing Up: A Message to Parents

What I want parents to know is this: you are doing enough. You are showing up for your child in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. You are not alone.

As a grandmother, I often find myself watching these children as if they were my own grandbabies. I see their bravery, their moments of frustration and celebration. I watch them find their voices, their balance, their confidence and I feel so much pride, even if I’m just a tiny part of their journey.

As a mother, I recognize the deep sacrifices you make-your time, your energy, and sometimes other interests you may have had to put on the back burner. I hear your concerns, and I love to see, hear and celebrate with you the victories, especially the ones that once felt out of reach.

Therapy Is a Relationship, Not Just a Service

Therapy, to me, is not just a service. It’s a relationship. It’s a safe space where children are reminded that they are capable, that they matter, and that they are deeply loved for who they are not just for what they can do.

And for the families who walk through our doors: I hope you feel that we care about not just your kiddo but we care about you. I hope you feel our belief in your child, in your family, and in the progress that sometimes comes in inches, not miles. I know the road can be long. I have witnessed it myself over and over again. But I also know how beautiful it can be when you have the right people walking it with you.

Celebrate Every Milestone—Big and Small

So from one grandmother’s heart to another parent’s hands-thank you for trusting us. Thank you for letting us celebrate your child’s growth, step by step. You may not always see it in the moment, but there is magic in the work we can do together. And I promise, from where I sit, it is the most meaningful work I’ve ever known.

Shauna Oakes is the Administrative Director at SmallTalk.

How Virtual Speech and Language Therapy Can Support Your Family

Educational, Featured, General, Speech Therapy, Therapy | Apr 22, 2025 2 min read

As the world continues to expand its abilities to connect with other people, so has our ability as therapists to connect with you in ways that are flexible, effective, and fun! Virtual visits are a great method of speech-language services that ensure your child’s ability to make progress on their communication goals, while simultaneously supporting your family navigating busy schedules and lives.

What can be accomplished virtually?

There are a variety of benefits that a virtual visit can provide, much like in-person visits:

Assessments: Standardized assessments to determine the diagnosis of potential speech-language delays, as well as implementation of a comprehensive treatment plan are entirely achievable by meeting virtually. Virtual assessment sessions usually include a combination of standardized testing, particularly if your child is of age to participate. Another effective measure is parent interview, hearing from you exactly what your concerns and observations are of your child in their home environment.
Treatment: Virtual speech therapy sessions can be designed to meet the communication-specific needs of your child. Whether it is articulation, expressive/receptive language, social/pragmatic skills, or related areas, tasks developed through various online games, interactive stories, and songs/videos help support the progress of your child. Not to mention, they are designed to be fun and engaging so that your child will want to continue to attend these virtual visits!
Parent Education and Collaboration: Parents are just as important to the process of speech-language development as the therapists that work with your child. Virtual visits allow for private, constructive conversations to give parents suggestions, resources, and in-the-moment opportunities to demonstrate language facilitation strategies with their children right in the comfort of their own home!

So what now?

If your child might need a little guidance in speech and language, receiving services virtually is an effective way to support the communication journey of your child. SmallTalk offers virtual sessions all-week long, including several therapists, like me, who have dedicated an entire day to virtual sessions to connect with more families around the San Diego community. Please consider giving it a try – I hope to see you online!

By Alex Maloney, SLP

Op-Ed: California is failing kids in reading.

Featured, News | Apr 02, 2025 2 min read

From The San Diego Union-Tribune

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we are deeply committed to supporting children’s language and literacy development. That’s why we are proud to highlight an important Op-Ed published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, written by one of our Lead Speech Language Pathologists, Kelly Stuart. The article, titled “California is Failing Kids in Reading – There is a Better Way”, sheds light on the urgent need for change in how we approach reading instruction in California.

“Nationally, California ranks 33rd in fourth-grade reading proficiency. This is a tragedy — but it is solvable. One can look to Louisiana to see how it went from 50th in the nation in 2019 to 16th in fourth-grade reading scores in 2024 after implementing comprehensive literacy policies requiring evidence-based teacher training — and it spends far less per child on education than California.”

The California Reading Crisis

Far too many children are struggling with reading due to outdated and ineffective teaching methods. In the article, Kelly explains how research-backed, structured literacy programs can make a profound difference in helping children become confident and capable readers. She also emphasizes the importance of phonics-based instruction and early intervention.

Read the Article

The SmallTalk Way

At SmallTalk we see firsthand how literacy challenges impact a child’s confidence, academic success, and overall well-being. When children struggle to read, it affects every aspect of their education and daily life. The good news? There are proven methods that can help.

Oral language is very important for a child to be able to read and write, as language is the backbone for reading comprehension. At SmallTalk, our speech-language pathologists are trained in phonological awareness, which is one component of the five pillars of reading instruction.

Read the Full Article & Join the Conversation

Read the full Op-Ed in the San Diego Union-Tribune here.

Let’s work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed in reading and beyond! We believe that raising awareness about effective literacy instruction is crucial, which is why we encourage parents, educators, and policymakers to take action.