Have you ever tried to get your child to copy you — clapping hands, making sounds, doing something simple — and nothing happens? Maybe your child smiles, looks at you, and then goes right back to what they were doing. If that feels familiar, this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, Steph talks about imitation — what it really means, why it matters, and what’s actually going on when a child isn’t imitating yet. This is one of the most common concerns parents bring to speech therapy, and it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

You’ll hear why imitation isn’t something children do on command, why pressure often makes things harder, and how important connection is before communication can grow. Steph walks you through the early building blocks that come before words — attention, shared play, gestures, and playful sounds — and explains how supporting these skills gently can make a real difference.

This episode also offers practical, low-pressure strategies you can use at home, including:

• Why imitating your child first can spark connection and confidence
• How big movements and play lay the foundation for imitation
• Why gestures count as communication (and why that’s good news)
• How to introduce sounds without turning play into a test

Most importantly, this episode reminds you that your child isn’t behind, broken, or refusing to try. They’re learning — just in their own time.

If imitation has been a source of stress or worry for you, take a deep breath and listen in. You’re not alone, and you’re doing a really good job.

🎧 Listen now on The Talking Child Podcast — available wherever you get your podcasts.

If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with another parent who might need the same reminder today.

🌟 Available Now

Helping Your Child Find Their Voice: A Parent’s Guide to Speech and Language Development
Is your child not talking yet, and you’re wondering if it’s time to worry? This encouraging guide walks you through typical speech milestones, common causes of delays, and simple, play-based strategies you can start using at home today.

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