Talk.firstwords

Talk.firstwords Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Talk.firstwords, Speech Pathologist, Edmonton, AB.

07/30/2026

“they’ll grow out of it,” “you talk for them too much,” “you’re worrying too much,” “boys just talk later,” “you should have read more to them”. Nope!!

If you’ve heard any of these, you’re not alone and you’re not the problem. Parents of late talkers carry so much unnecessary guilt while their child’s critical language window is quietly closing. The good news - there are real strategies that work, and you can start today in your own living room. I’m running a free 7-Day Late Talker Sprint starting August 4th with 10 spots for parents who are done waiting and ready to actually do something. DM SPRINT or grab your spot in my bio.
Paige O’Dwyer | Pediatric Speech Therapist

07/29/2026

If your toddler doesn’t always respond when you talk to them, this is worth watching.

One of the earliest signs a toddler is getting ready to talk is how they respond to sound. And if they’re not tuning in yet, it doesn’t mean something is wrong. It just means this is where we start.

My favourite strategy for this? The gasp and wait.

Get their attention with a gasp, pause, and then model your sound or word in that moment of connection. Simple. Zero prep. Works in any daily moment.

I’m running a free 7-Day Late Talker Sprint starting August 4th. 10 spots only. Each day I give you one strategy that actually works in real life, and my AI speech coaching app Speech Buddy supports you between sessions so you’re never stuck wondering what to do next.

DM me the word SPRINT to grab your spot. And follow Paige O’Dwyer | Pediatric Speech Therapist

The gasp and wait is such a concrete, visual strategy that parents can picture immediately - this reel is going to land well as a sprint lead-up post.

07/28/2026

The easiest language strategy you can start today requires zero prep and zero extra time.

Offer your toddler two choices all day long.

Do you want the blue block or the yellow block? Do you want an apple or an orange? Do you want to jump or walk?

Here’s why it works. When you narrow it down to two options, your child hears both words clearly and has the confidence to pick one. You’re not overwhelming them - you’re setting them up to succeed.

And if they don’t have the word yet? That’s okay. Honor the grab, the point, the gesture. Then model the word back. Apple. Blue. Jump.

That’s it. That’s the strategy. One word, modeled back, in the moment they actually care about it.

Save this for tomorrow morning and try it at breakfast.

Follow Paige O’Dwyer | Pediatric Speech Therapist for a new strategy every week

07/24/2026

Your toddler points, grunts, and pulls your hand to get what they want. That’s the first step to talking. 👆

Gestures come before words. Every time. So instead of jumping straight to “use your words,” meet them where they are.

When they point at the cup, say “cup! You want the cup.” You’re giving them the word for the thing they’re already communicating. Do this enough, and the gesture turns into the word.

This is one small piece of my Everyday Moments Method, and it’s the kind of thing that’s easy to miss when you’re in the thick of a hard day. That’s why I built Speech Buddy, a $99/month AI speech coaching app on Telegram. Ask it what to do in the moment, and get an answer built from over 14 years of speech therapy experience.

DM me the word BUDDY and let’s get you started.

07/21/2026

The playground is where parents notice it first.

Other kids chattering away, pointing, calling out to their friends. And yours is quiet.

If that moment hits close to home, this one’s for you.

I’m Paige, a speech-language pathologist with 14 years working specifically with late talkers. Paige O’Dwyer | Pediatric Speech Therapist

I’m running a free 7-Day Late Talker Sprint starting August 4th. 10 spots only. Each day I give you one strategy that actually works in real life, and my AI speech coaching app Speech Buddy is there between sessions so you’re never stuck wondering what to do next.

DM me the word SPRINT to grab your spot before they’re gone.

07/20/2026

A beautiful memory through Eleanor’s eyes. ❤️
A little snapshot of a week we’ll never forget, filled with sunshine, laughter, adventure, and time together as a family. Until next time, Shuswap. ☀️🌊

One of the best questions I get asked is:“How can I work with you?”The answer depends on what you need.Whether you’re lo...
06/19/2026

One of the best questions I get asked is:
“How can I work with you?”

The answer depends on what you need.

Whether you’re looking for a quick question answered, ongoing support, a community of parents alongside you, in-person services, or a speaker for your organization, there are a number of ways we can work together.

Swipe through to find the option that’s right for you.

Not sure where to start? Send me a DM with the word START and I’ll point you in the right direction.

Six books I keep coming back to. The kind you read once, then again. Tell me your fave book below 👇 AND let me know if y...
06/08/2026

Six books I keep coming back to. The kind you read once, then again. Tell me your fave book below 👇 AND let me know if you’ve read any of these!

06/01/2026

If you didn’t offer your child a choice today, you may have missed one of the easiest language-building moments.

Instead of:

👟 “Put on your shoes.”
Try:
👟 “Should we run or hop to get our shoes?”

One simple choice adds new words, encourages participation, and works at every stage of language development.

That’s a Good to Great moment. You’ve got this!

DM me choices if you need ideas for adding choices at your child’s language stage. Here to help! ❤️

05/26/2026

This is called non-verbal communication. And it’s a very good sign and important milestone.

Your toddler pulling your hand, pointing, or bringing you a toy to help with? That’s communication.

Now let’s take it from good to great, be the voice they don’t have yet:
“Eat.”
“Car.”
“Help.”
“Open.”

By giving them simple words in the moment, you help connect their ideas to language. 

You’ve got this.

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Edmonton, AB

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