The talking starts here- Vol. 1

3 Things I’m Doing to Help My 15-Month-Old Learn to Talk

by Mae Rose Stark

I’ve had people ask me recently,

“What are you doing to help your toddler talk?”

And the truth is…

I’m simply doing what I know to be powerful and effective,  not just as a mom, but as a speech-language pathologist and early interventionist. I’m approaching each day  with freedom but intention, rooted in evidence-based strategies, occasionally adding in some knowledge I gain through my reading and continuing education, and most importantly, a whole lot of prayer.

Everything I do is simple enough for any and every mom to try, because you don’t need to be an expert to support your child’s language. You just need to be present and empowered. 

I often feel a deep responsibility,  even a little selfish,  knowing I’ve been given these simple, powerful tools through my education and training, and not sharing them. Every day I spend with my son, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the wisdom God has given me through the field of speech-language pathology. These aren’t just professional insights,  they’re gifts, and I believe they belong in every mother’s tool belt.

Because once you know what tools are available, you’ll see how natural and doable it is to pull them out in everyday moments, and use them to help your little one grow into a confident, connected communicator.

This series is my heart poured out through real examples from our home, combined with tools you can use in yours.

Let’s start with three things I come back to every single day.

1. Sit on the Ground During Playtime

It sounds basic, but it’s powerful.

In a similar way to how the Father sits down with us. Gets down on our level. Speaks to us. Engages with us. Helps us grow and learn.

When I get on the floor with my son, I meet him where he is. I’m eye level. I’m approachable. He sees my face, hears my tone, and feels my full attention. He learns my voice as I learn his. 

Even 30 minutes of intentional play a day makes a real difference.

Here’s what this might look like:

• Reading books together (rarely do I actually read the long winded sentences instead of simply describing what we see in the pictures), pointing at pictures, and repeating favorite short phrases

• Pushing cars and making sounds like “beep beep” and “vroom” together

• Blowing bubbles and modeling words like “pop,” “up,” and “more”

• Rolling a ball back and forth,  “ready, set, go!” …and waiting for a reaction

These are not elaborate activities. They’re just you, on the ground, tuned in. That’s where language lives, in shared moments, not just structured learning. And what a blessing it is for me to see my son's smile on his face when I get down onto the floor with him. I sense it’s like a breath of fresh air for him. 

2. Find What Motivates Your Child

Right now, my 15-month-old lights up when I ask him to help me. And I make room for that.

• He “cleans” spills with his own napkin

• Helps throw things away or puts toys in baskets

• Pushes buttons on the washer or dryer

• Helps stir ingredients when we cook

Even though it’s sometimes messy and feels “unproductive,” it’s actually extremely effective in another way.

Children don’t just want to watch life happen, they want to participate. And when you invite them in, you’re nurturing independence, confidence, and communication.

You’re modeling real vocabulary in meaningful, everyday ways:

• “Clean up!”

• “Push the button.”

• “Stir, stir!”

• “Trash goes in.”

Your child might not say those words yet, but their brain is absorbing every single one. It’s not about performance,  it’s about exposure. And it’s about connection- with you, and the new ones being made in his brain. 

3. Speak in Short Phrases and Simple Sentences

This one is huge.

I remind myself of this constantly. Toddlers aren’t ready to follow complex, grown-up language. Their brains learn best with short, clear, repeatable phrases.

So instead of saying:

“We need to get in the car right now quickly or we’re going to be late to dinner with Honey,”

I say:

“Time to go.”

“Shoes on.”

“Let’s get in car.”

“Go go go!”

“Almost there.”

“Big truck!”

“You’re so patient.”

These kinds of phrases are easy to understand, and eventually, easy to imitate.

This is how auditory comprehension develops,  and it always comes before verbal expression. So even if your toddler isn’t talking yet, don’t panic. If they’re watching you, pointing, imitating gestures, or following your voice,  they are soaking it in. The words will come.

Keep your language simple, meaningful, and connected to what they’re seeing and doing.

Let’s Talk About the Spiritual Side of All This

Mama,  I want to remind you:

You are not just “doing your best.” You were made for this. God knew which children he would give to you on earth. 

You were handpicked to raise this child. Not because you know it all.  But because God is with you, and He is pouring out just enough grace for today.

He hasn’t handed you a role and walked away, He is right there. He’s poured grace over your head like a bucket of water. You are covered. You are equipped.

The pressure lifts when you lean on the Holy Spirit. He will move through you in the quiet, unseen, in-between moments. When you feel unsure, He reminds you: You’re not doing this alone.

And here’s what’s beautiful:

God always takes care of His children, and often, He does it through you.

Just as God is teaching you His Word to communicate to others, you are teaching your child new words to one day communicate, too.

An Invitation to Keep Going — You’re Already on Holy Ground

If this resonated with you,  if your heart exhaled a little while reading, I’d love to invite you to stay connected by joining this series and becoming part of our community.

By subscribing for free, you won’t just receive practical tools for supporting your child’s speech and language development you’ll also receive:

• Gentle, grace-filled guidance rooted in my background as an SLP and mama

• Encouragement to help you confidently support your child’s communication

• Real-life rhythms that make early learning feel natural, not overwhelming

• Links to what toys my child is loving

• And a growing collection of resources designed to bless your everyday motherhood

You can also enjoy happy newsletters about the things I love writing about:

• Spirit-led motherhood and marriage

• Honest, joyful reflections on walking with God

• And simple things we are loving in our home

Some Things We’re Currently Loving or Mama is Eyeing:

• Our favorite first word books with real-life images

• A simple bubble machine that keeps him engaged and talking

• Bible study songs for kids book

• Farm animal figurines for language-rich play

• Snack cups that build independence and expressive choice

• And what I am eyeing-  a toddler kitchen helper stool so he can join me at the counter. Quickly learning, it’s tough to crack the eggs and hold him up to see at the same time :)

These aren’t just cute things,  they’re language opportunities in disguise.

I don’t want to overwhelm you with information. I want to walk with you in implementation. I want to offer you what I am thankful someone gave me at the start: clarity, peace, and real tools that honor both your child’s development and your calling as a mother.

So if your child is quiet, expressive, or somewhere in between,  this series is for you.

The words will come.

The connection is already here.

I’d love to hear from you — comment below or reply and let me know: What are you hoping for in this season of motherhood? What are you praying over your child? What topics or tools would serve you best right now?

This space is for you!! Let’s build it together. 💛

Tag, you’re it, Mama! Let’s keep going!

Xx,

Mae Rose Stark