Parent Blogs, SLP Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP Parent Blogs, SLP Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP

How In-Home Speech Therapy Supports Success at School and Beyond

Strong communication skills are the foundation for learning and confidence. At school, children rely on speech and language to follow directions, participate in lessons, share ideas, and connect with friends. At home, communication skills help them express their needs, join in family routines, and build independence. When these skills are difficult, children may feel frustrated, struggle academically, or pull away socially. That’s where private, in-home speech therapy can make a big difference.

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Parent Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP Parent Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP

How In-Home Speech Therapy Supports Success at School and Beyond

Discover how in-home speech therapy helps children build stronger communication skills that carry over into the classroom and daily life. Learn how parent involvement and personalized support can boost academic performance, social confidence, and language development. Ideal for families seeking practical, effective solutions for speech and language challenges.

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Parent Blogs Mary Kathryn Thomsen, MS, CCC-SLP Parent Blogs Mary Kathryn Thomsen, MS, CCC-SLP

A Speech Therapist's Guide to Buying Toddler Cups

Wondering which cup is best for your toddler? A speech-language pathologist breaks down the pros and cons of all the options. Learn why cup choice matters and how to make the switch with confidence. Ideal for parents transitioning toddlers from bottles to big-kid cups.

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Parent Blogs Mary Kathryn Thomsen, MS, CCC-SLP Parent Blogs Mary Kathryn Thomsen, MS, CCC-SLP

A Speech Therapist's Guide to Buying Toddler Cups

As parents, you want the best for your child. And that includes the tools that support healthy growth and development. One everyday choice that makes a bigger impact than you might expect is the type of cup your toddler uses. As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), I talk with families all the time about how different cups affect their child’s muscle development, feeding skills, and even speech down the road. Let’s break down the options together.

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Parent Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP Parent Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP

5 Activities to Help with Sensory Aversions During Feeding

Struggling with picky eating or mealtime meltdowns? Learn five fun, sensory-friendly activities that help children with sensory aversions feel more comfortable around food. From no-pressure food play to sensory bins; these gentle and therapist approved strategies support positive feeding experiences, without the stress. Ideal for parents and caregivers of children with feeding challenges, sensory sensitivities, or selective eating habits.

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Parent Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP Parent Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP

5 Activities to Help with Sensory Aversions During Feeding

Feeding time should be a learning and nourishing experience, but for some children, it’s a major source of stress due to sensory aversions. This is when certain textures, smells, colors, or temperatures of food feel overwhelming to your child. Whether your child gags at the sight of vegetables or avoids all wet foods, you’re not alone. The good news is, there are gentle, play-based strategies that can help.

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Parent Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP Parent Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP

3 Tips for Early Language Development

At Turning Tides Speech Therapy, we believe that supporting your child’s language development starts right at home with everyday interactions, play, and lots of love. Whether your child is just beginning to babble or is starting to string words together, you can make a big impact on their communication skills. Here are three simple, evidence-based tips to help encourage early language development in your little one:

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Parent Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP Parent Blogs Rachel Kisling, MS, CF-SLP

Is Tongue Tie Affecting Your Child’s Eating? What Every Parent Should Know

Worried that your child’s eating or speech challenges might be due to a tongue tie? In this post, we’ll break down what tongue tie really is, how it can affect feeding and oral development, and when to consider speech therapy in Pensacola. Whether you’re navigating picky eating, messy mealtimes, or speech delays, this guide will help you understand the signs and take the next step with confidence.

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Parent Blogs Mary Kathryn Thomsen, MS, CCC-SLP Parent Blogs Mary Kathryn Thomsen, MS, CCC-SLP

Speech Therapy At School Vs. At Home: What’s The Difference?

Not sure whether school-based or private speech therapy is right for your child? This post breaks down the key differences—pros, cons, and everything in between—so you can make an informed decision. Plus, learn why you don’t have to choose just one and how in-home therapy can complement school services for even better results.

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Parent Blogs Mary Kathryn Thomsen, MS, CCC-SLP Parent Blogs Mary Kathryn Thomsen, MS, CCC-SLP

8 Nutrients That Boost Language Development in Young Children (With Whole Food Examples)

Did you know the right nutrients can boost your child’s language development? In this post, we explore 8 essential vitamins and minerals that support brain growth and communication skills—plus whole food examples and parent-friendly tips to help your child thrive naturally. Written by a licensed pediatric speech therapist in Pensacola, FL, this guide is perfect for families looking to support speech and language through nutrition and holistic care.

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Parent Blogs Mary Kathryn Thomsen, MS, CCC-SLP Parent Blogs Mary Kathryn Thomsen, MS, CCC-SLP

The Hidden Link Between Speech and Eating: How Strengthening Oral Muscles Naturally Supports Your Child’s Development

Did you know your child’s speech and eating skills are more connected than you think? From the way they chew to how they form words, these everyday actions share a secret link that can shape their growth. At Turning Tides Speech Therapy, we’re peeling back the curtain on how feeding challenges—like picky eating or trouble swallowing—can tie into speech delays, and what you can do to help your little one thrive.

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