First Ideas for Speech and Feeding

11/10/2025

The holidays are approaching with lots of family gatherings...and for parents of children with speech or feeding concerns, this can bring about stress and conflicting thoughts and opinions from well meaning relatives. Can you relate?

Let me know how I can help support you during this wonderful and challenging time of year...hyping parents up is my super power!

From parent coaching, early intervention of language strategies or feeding therapy, First Ideas can help bring you into the holiday season with confidence and calm (but I can't cook your turkey!)

Schedule your Discovery Call today! www.firstideasspeechandfeeding.com

11/03/2025

If your toddler was delayed in speaking their first 50 words, would this have been something you wished your pediatrician had told you about?

A way to be PRO-active instead of being RE-active?? Something YOU could do immediately!

Then go ahead and share it with your other mommy friends in case they are feeling the same way you are! They will thank you for it, I promise!!

11/02/2025

It's been a busy month! How about you?

And in the middle of all this, First Ideas has doubled!! 👏👏

We've gotten some new feeding therapy patients, working on improving chewing skills, which will help them feel more competent to expand their diets. But we are busy exploring new ways to add flavors and textures, as well as trying new ways to think about their current foods (can you say smashing crackers?🤣).

We've gotten 2 new Tiny Talkers, too. Little ones learning their first words and using them effectively instead of whining!

Parents are learning how to share control of mealtimes, how decreasing pressure actually increases desire to be in the mealtime environment (which eventually has a cascading effect on eating), and how to inspire curiosity authenticly.

Both groups are learning how to shift from "How can I make my child to eat/ talk?" to "What do I need to do to motivate and encourage them?"

Oh, and I can't forget my mentee, who has learned so much in a few months and is currently redesigning her feeding evaluation form to better align with her knowledge base!

I love what I get to do!

10/27/2025

Just popping on again to share this amazing training I took 2 years ago! Smart and comprehensive, and thoroughly recommend it to SLP's and feeding specialists to complete. Chrysalis Orofacial

10/27/2025

First Ideas is here for your toddler/preschool speech or feeding concerns!

Whether it's early intervention language or speech therapy, responsive, trauma informed feeding therapy or my Tiny Talkers program, First Ideas can give you and your child engaging and child directed care, with training and coaching for YOU every step of the way!!
Call or message... it's easy to get started, no doctor referral needed!
www.firstideasspeechandfeeding.com

10/13/2025

Here's another "first" for First Ideas! I have a vendor booth/ tent at The DeliFest 🥪 this Sunday, October 19th! I'm so happy to support this event for the Local Jewish Federation and the food is delish!!

It's also a chance to meet in person, find out about how my approach to speech and feeding therapy might be just the thing you've looking for! You will learn about My Success Triangle, Responsive Feeding Therapy, and how parents are involved from the beginning!
Www.firstideasspeechandfeeding.com

I'll have some fun things for the kids to do, and some chairs to sit and chat!😌

Come see me and ask me anything! 🧡💜

10/05/2025

This is such an easy way to incorporate the language strategies I use with my kids in therapy in your home!
It's a 4 week program, stuffed FULL of all my best tips and activities for YOU to use!
It's a cost effective way to get a little language boost for your late talker!
For more information and to schedule your Discovery Call, go to www.firstideasspeechandfeeding.com today!

09/29/2025

Ya know how speech therapist 'influencers' say "pause and wait" to get your little one to talk?? How has that worked for you...
(this is an amazing strategy, just hear me out)

As in most things in life, there is nuance, or the little details, that make that strategy work for YOUR child!

You can't make a blanket statement like that without considering the temperament or personality of your child!!

This is why you need a speech therapist who can coach YOU to make that amazing strategy work for YOU...just sayin'...

Reach out if you want someone who can help YOU help your child be a happy, little talker!! First Ideas for Speech and Feeding
PS: This strategy works for feeding therapy too.
www.firstideasspeechandfeeding.com

08/25/2025

I recently listened to a presentation by the great Marsha Dunn Klein from

She is always so good about putting a spin on perspective we hold true.

Maybe...could we...
Think about the Why behind a food refusal instead of interpreting it as rejection or defiance. What does that even look like?

Understanding our child comes first.

What are their motor capabilities?
What are their sensory needs (at that moment in time)
Are they calm and ready to switch to a mealtime? (or any new activity)
Do they feel in control... of what they get to eat... how it's offered... the environment?

All these things can or might impact their readiness for a meal, their willingness to participate, and how much they participate.

It starts with us, their caregivers, to create a successful atmosphere for them.

So WE have to feel and know how to support them.

We can do it. I can help. 💜🧡

07/15/2025

Did you know that First Ideas can mentor new therapists or therapists looking to get into the world of pediatric feeding therapy?🍴
Training and coaching are some of Julie's passions and she loves to share her expertise with the next generation of SLP's! Julie will cater her training to your specific needs.🧡💜
Reach out today to get your career fast tracked!

First Ideas for Pediatric Speech and Feeding provides speech therapy and feeding therapy in Lake Norman area of NC, including Mooresville, Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Troutman and Salisbury

06/12/2025

Felt safety isn't overly permissible either, which is important to remember. Parents want to have reasonable boundaries at mealtimes, as well as safe foods for their child who is struggling with eating. Both can exist, but there is nuance there! It sometimes takes a trained and objective professional to help parents navigate this. 🧡💜

Registered dietitian Anna Lutz discusses the importance of relationship in her On Demand course, Prioritizing Felt Safety and Connection in the Feeding Relationship: A Registered Dietitian's Perspective. The nervous system plays a significant role in how and what a child eats. Feeling safe is essential for ingestion and digestion. Feeding and nutrition advice often can lead to fear, worry, pressure and nervous system dysregulation. In this course, participants will be introduced to the Polyvagal Theory, the window of tolerance model, and the research applications for clinicians providing treatment for pediatric feeding difficulties. The feeding relationship will be highlighted, along with approaches to prioritizing nervous system regulation of the caregiver and child. Participants will explore "bottom up" approaches to treatment that integrate the treatment of trauma, attachment and sensory processing integration.

Check out more information here:
https://course.getpermissioninstitute.com/courses/prioritizing-safety-and-connection-in-the-feeding-relationship-a-registered-dietitian-s-perspective-br-

06/05/2025

What is Functional Frenuloplasty?
It’s not just a procedure — it’s a precise, multidisciplinary protocol designed to optimize healing and function.

At The Breathe Institute, our approach is rooted in clinical precision and collaboration. We integrate orofacial myofunctional therapy and in some cases additional treatment modalities to ensure a complete and effective release of tethered oral tissues.
Our goal? Releasing just the right amount for maximal functional relief.

The tongue plays a vital role in shaping orofacial structure and function. Our technique honors that, preparing the body for change and ensuring optimal healing through a carefully designed protocol.
ZaghiMD.com

We’re proud to be at the forefront of research and education in this field.
Join us in July — in person or via livestream — for our upcoming Breathe Course, where we’ll share our proven methods with providers and teams looking to elevate their outcomes.

Learn more or register now at BreatheCourses.com