Giggles & Gab Speech Therapy

01/27/2026

❄️ Is anyone clearing sidewalks in South Shore? We've not been able to make it back to the office yet, and were hoping we could find someone to help us out. Please message us with details ☃️

01/26/2026

01/26/2026

❄️ Weather Closure Update ❄️

Due to dangerously cold temperatures and continued hazardous road conditions, Giggles & Gab will be closed tomorrow, 01/27/26.

The safety of our families and staff is always our top priority, and we hope everyone stays safe, warm, and cozy during this extreme cold. 🤍

Please continue to watch your messages and our social media pages for additional announcements regarding our schedule for the rest of the week.

Thank you so much for your understanding!

01/25/2026

❄️ Weather Closure Notice ❄️

Due to inclement weather and poor road conditions, Giggles & Gab will be closed tomorrow, 01/26/26.

The safety of our families and staff is always our top priority, and we hope everyone stays safe and warm during this weather. 🤍

Please continue to monitor your messages and our social media pages for updates regarding our schedule for the remainder of the week.

Thank you for your understanding!

01/24/2026

❄️ Parent Tip Saturday – “Survive & Thrive During Snowed-In Days”

❄️ Parent Tip Saturday 🏠
With a major winter storm on the way, families may be stuck inside for a few days.
Snow days can be fun… and also overwhelming for little ones who thrive on routine and movement.

Here are some tips to support sensory needs and structure during extended time at home:

💡 Create a predictable rhythm (even if it’s simple!)
✅ Morning movement + quiet time
✅ Meals/snacks around the same time each day
✅ Choice boards or “first/then” visuals
✅ Built-in sensory breaks: jumping, crashing, pushing, playdough
✅ “Safe zone” or calm-down corner
✅ Rotate favorite toys rather than offering everything at once

💡 Prepare a few calming activities ahead of time
– Build a pillow fort
– Make a warm drink together (and blow to cool it!)
– Use a flashlight for a cozy hide-and-seek
– Play freeze dance or do animal walks
– Use a simple schedule to add predictability

✨ Remember: When we stay regulated, they’re more likely to stay regulated too.
You’ve got this! 💛

01/23/2026

Friday Feeding Tips 🍽️

Mixing It Up: Textures + Temperatures Matter!

When kids are learning to eat a variety of foods, how it feels and how it temperature hits their mouth can make a big difference. For some children, warm mushy foods are comforting—but crunchy cold ones may be too much (or just right!).

👅 Mixing textures and temperatures can:
✅ Build oral motor skills
✅ Encourage flexible eating habits
✅ Support sensory regulation
✅ Create more enjoyable mealtimes!

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💡 Try This at Home:
Offer a plate with a warm, soft food (like mac & cheese), a cool, crunchy veggie (like cucumber slices), and a room-temp snack (like crackers). Talk about how each one feels: “This one is cold and crunchy!” “This one is warm and smooth!”

👉 Don’t be surprised if your child prefers one combo over another—it’s all part of learning what works for their body!

01/22/2026

🗣️ THINK-ALOUD THURSDAY 🗣️
One powerful way to support communication is to think out loud when something feels tricky—and model how to ask for help.

Children learn that communication is a tool for connection, not just answering questions.

✨ Scenario: A zipper won’t work
✨ Think-Aloud Model:
“Hmm… I’m trying to zip this, but it’s not working. I might need help. I can say, ‘Help please!’”

When caregivers model asking for help out loud, children learn:
✔️ Language for self-advocacy
✔️ That it’s okay to need support
✔️ How to problem-solve through communication
✔️ Functional phrases they can use later
✔️ Confidence in expressing needs

This strategy supports:
🧩 Early communicators
🧩 Gestalt language processors
🧩 AAC users
🧩 Neurodivergent learners
🧩 Children working on functional communication

💡 TRY THIS AT HOME:
Model asking for help during everyday moments—opening containers, getting dressed, building toys, or carrying something heavy. Keep it natural and pressure-free.

Every “help” is a communication win 💛

01/21/2026

🗣️“What’s That Word?” Wednesday – Choices & Communication Edition

Theme: Empowering Expression
Word of the Week: “That”

Post Caption:
👆 When a child points, reaches, or gazes at something exciting, modeling the word “That” can give them power and agency! It’s a simple but impactful word that helps children make choices and express preferences.

🎯 Today’s Word: “That”
💬 “You want that one?”
💬 “Oh, that?”
💬 “Let’s get that!”

🧠 Why it matters:
That helps kids communicate wants, draw attention, and build two-word phrases like “Want that” or “See that.” It’s a great core word for both early talkers and AAC users.

🎉 Try This at Home:
➡️ Hold up two snacks, toys, or books and say “Which one? That?”
➡️ Encourage pointing, reaching, or looking while modeling “that”
➡️ Use during walks, shopping, or play: “Wow, look at that!”

💡 GLP Tip: You might hear:
🗣️ “I want that one.”
🗣️ “No, not that.”
🗣️ “That’s my favorite!”

01/20/2026

⭐️ Talk It Out Tuesday

Talk Through Routines to Grow Language!

Daily routines are some of the best opportunities for language learning. They’re predictable, familiar, and happen over and over again — which helps children understand and use new words.

💬 Try This Routine-Based Language:
   •   “Shoes!” → “Put on shoes.”
   •   “Bath!” → “Bath time!”
   •   “Eat!” → “Eat lunch.”
   •   “All done.” → “All done playing.”
   •   “Bye!” → “Bye-bye Daddy!”

🌱 Why This Works

When children hear the same words and phrases during the same activities, language becomes meaningful and easier to learn. Repetition + real life = powerful communication growth.

🏡 Home Tip

Say the words before, during, and after the routine.
Example: “Bath time!” → “Wash arms.” → “All done bath.”

You don’t need to add more time — just add words to what you’re already doing.

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🔖 Hashtags:

01/17/2026

💪 Parent Tip Saturday – “Support Body Awareness Through Heavy Work”

🎯 Focus:
Support families in understanding how heavy work (proprioceptive input) can help kids feel grounded, calm, and organized — especially after periods of excitement or dysregulation.

💪 Parent Tip Saturday 💛
Does your child seem extra wiggly, wild, or emotional this week?
That’s the nervous system asking for input!

Heavy work — activities that engage the big muscles and joints — helps the body feel where it is in space, which can lead to better regulation, focus, and calm.

💡 Try these simple “heavy work” ideas at home:
✅ Push or pull a laundry basket full of books or toys
✅ Do animal walks (bear crawl, crab walk)
✅ Move furniture cushions
✅ Shovel snow together
✅ Help carry groceries or take out trash
✅ Do “push the wall” or couch squishes
✅ Use playdough or therapy putty

✨ Just a few minutes can help “reset” the body and brain.
Bonus: It’s a great way to connect and have fun together!

01/16/2026

👄 Friday Feeding Tips

“Could a Tongue or Lip Tie Be Impacting Feeding?”

Some feeding challenges aren’t just about picky eating — they may stem from oral restrictions like a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or lip tie.

🧐 These structural differences occur when the frenulum (the small fold of tissue under the tongue or upper lip) is too tight or short, limiting movement.

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🚩 Feeding Red Flags to Watch For:
   •   Difficulty latching or prolonged bottle feeds
   •   Gagging or choking on certain textures
   •   Pockets food in cheeks or under tongue
   •   Fatigue or frustration at mealtimes
   •   Avoids chewy or textured foods
   •   Excessive drooling past expected age

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🧠 Why This Matters:

Tongue and lip mobility are key for:
✅ Safe swallowing
✅ Efficient chewing
✅ Clearing food from cheeks
✅ Managing a variety of textures
✅ Speech sound production later on!

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💬 What to Do:

If you’re concerned, a feeding-trained speech-language pathologist (like us!) or pediatric dentist can assess and guide next steps. Early identification supports smoother mealtimes and overall development.