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.

Learn how to strengthen parent involvement in speech and feeding therapy with practical, research backed coaching strategies for SLPs. This guide shares 5 essential tips for effective communication with families, including building trust, collaborating on goals, and integrating therapy into daily routines. Perfect for speech-language pathologists looking to boost confidence and create meaningful progress through parent coaching. Empower families, enhance outcomes, and transform everyday moments into lasting developmental gains.

As speech-language pathologists, we know that parent involvement is crucial to a child’s progress in both language development and feeding. Parent coaching allows us to extend therapy beyond the session, turning everyday moments into meaningful learning opportunities. But coaching isn’t just giving instructions. It's a collaborative, respectful, and supportive relationship. Whether you're supporting a toddler with limited expressive language or a picky eater struggling with food variety, effective communication with parents makes all the difference.

New to feeding therapy as an SLP? You’re not alone. In this post, I’m sharing simple, practical strategies for getting started with pediatric feeding therapy — from what questions to ask parents to how to structure your sessions without feeling overwhelmed.