OM DENNE EPISODE
On this episode, we’re celebrating World Children’s Day by talking about one of the most important milestones in a child’s life: learning to communicate. I sat down with pediatric speech-language pathologist Jessie Kensey, who works daily with parents and toddlers to help them find their voices, even before the first word. If you’ve ever wondered about early intervention, how parents can tell the difference between “late talkers” and bigger concerns, or how something as everyday as a diaper change can actually spark your child’s language skills, this episode is for you.
We also dig into some of the biggest myths parents hear about speech and language development, and how baby sign language can reduce frustration and strengthen your bond. Tune in to learn easy, actionable ways to turn everyday routines into powerful communication moments—and how to keep learning fun instead of feeling like pressure.
A few takeaways for creators or parents:
Which small changes at home can lead to big communication breakthroughs in kids
Why “wait and see” isn’t always the best advice for language development
Simple strategies to spark language, even before your child speaks
Connect With Jessie Kensey
Website: https://www.simplyspeechtherapy.org/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/simplyspeech
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Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:28 Why Jessie Focuses on Early Voice
01:40 Meaningful Progress Starts at Home
03:00 The Power of Early Intervention
04:04 Jessie's Aha Moment With a Family
05:28 Myths About Speech Development
07:08 “Wait and See” vs. Taking Action
08:59 Understanding Late Talking
10:05 Support Before Speech — What It Looks Like
11:32 Practical Tips: Signs and Language Modeling
12:37 Tantrums, Frustration, and Language Delay
14:12 Baby Sign Language and Connection
16:00 Everyday Routines as Language Moments
17:21 Feeding Transitions and Communication
19:22 Easing Parental Anxiety About “Behind”
21:00 Making Communication Fun, Not Pressure
23:29 One Thing To Start Today
24:09 Lightning Round: Family and Favorites
26:32 Where to Find Jessie Online
27:34 Wrap-up and Farewell
