As parents in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, we’re fortunate to have access to beautiful beaches, fantastic playgroups, and a supportive community of families. But when it comes to our children’s development, particularly their speech and language skills, many of us find ourselves wondering if we’re on the right track.
Whether you’re enjoying story time at Waverley Library or chatting with other parents at Clovelly Playgroup, you’ve probably noticed how differently children develop their communication skills. Some toddlers are chattering away by 18 months, while others take their time. So when should you be concerned, and where can you turn for help?
Understanding Speech and Language Development
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general milestones that can guide us. By age two, most children can say around 50 words and start combining them into two-word phrases. By three, they’re typically using sentences of three to four words and can follow simple instructions.
However, if your child isn’t meeting these milestones, or if you notice they’re struggling to pronounce sounds, having difficulty understanding instructions, or showing frustration when trying to communicate, it might be time to seek professional guidance.
Local Resources and Support Networks
Here in the Eastern Suburbs, we’re lucky to have several excellent resources. The Junction Neighbourhood Centre offers free parenting workshops that often cover child development topics. Many of our local councils also provide developmental screening services through their child and family health centres.
Our community Facebook groups, like Eastern Suburbs Mums Sydney, are invaluable for connecting with other parents who may have navigated similar concerns. Often, hearing another parent’s experience can provide both reassurance and practical advice about local services.
The Rise of Telehealth Services
One of the silver linings of recent years has been the widespread adoption of telehealth services. This has opened up possibilities for accessing specialists who might not be locally available. For instance, families can now connect with speech pathologists from across Australia, including specialised services like SLCN in Melbourne, which offers comprehensive speech pathology, psychology, and behaviour therapy services via telehealth.
This expanded access means that even if you can’t find the specific expertise you need in Sydney, you’re not limited by geography. Many interstate practitioners, including services like SLCN in Melbourne, offer telehealth options that work brilliantly for children, using interactive games and activities that keep kids engaged through the screen.
When to Seek Professional Help
Trust your instincts as a parent. If you’re concerned about your child’s communication development, it’s worth getting a professional assessment. Early intervention can make a significant difference, and speech pathologists are trained to work with children as young as 18 months.
Some signs that might indicate it’s time to seek help include:
- Limited vocabulary for their age
- Difficulty being understood by others
- Struggling to follow instructions
- Frustration when trying to communicate
- Not engaging in pretend play
- Difficulty with social interactions
Making Therapy Work for Your Family
If you do decide to pursue speech therapy, whether locally or through telehealth, there are ways to maximise its effectiveness. Consistency is key, so try to maintain regular sessions and practise the strategies at home. Many therapists will give you activities to do between sessions, turning everyday moments into learning opportunities.
For busy Eastern Suburbs families juggling school pick-ups, beach visits, and weekend sports, telehealth can be particularly convenient. You can schedule sessions during times that work for your family, without the added stress of travelling to appointments.
Building a Supportive Environment
Remember, supporting your child’s speech and language development doesn’t just happen in therapy sessions. Every interaction is an opportunity. Reading together at bedtime, singing songs during bath time, and narrating your activities as you walk along Bondi Beach all contribute to language development.
Our Eastern Suburbs community offers numerous opportunities for language-rich experiences. From the various library programs to playgroups and even casual conversations at the local café, every interaction helps build your child’s communication skills.
Moving Forward with Confidence
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech and language development, remember you’re not alone. Whether you choose to work with local Sydney practitioners or explore telehealth options with interstate specialists, the most important step is taking action when you feel it’s needed.
Our children deserve the best support we can provide, and sometimes that means looking beyond our immediate area for the right expertise. With the combination of our strong local community and access to specialised services across Australia, Eastern Suburbs families are well-positioned to support their children’s communication journey.
