Raising Communicators in a Tech-Heavy World: Advice from a Columbus Speech Therapist

This article was originally published in Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine (October, 2025)

In the piece, I share how small changes, like mindful screen habits, quality interactions, and local experiences, can make a big difference in your child's communication development.

The other day I was catching up with a friend who had just returned from a family vacation and was sharing stories from their trip. Something she mentioned has stuck with me since: how well her children, ages 6 and 8, handled the trip’s downtimes, whether it was waiting for food at a restaurant, sitting on a train, or simply being still. She attributed this ability to tolerate the mundane moments, in part, to the intentional limits she and her husband had set on screens earlier in their children’s lives.

I knew exactly what she meant. While I admit that long road trips almost always involve a tablet in our car, my husband and I have generally tried to avoid using screens as a means of entertaining our kids when we’re out and about. Now, those decisions show up in conversations on the way to piano practice, silly jokes told around the dinner table, and quiet moments where our kids can simply be. 

It’s worth noting that both my friend and I are pediatric speech-language pathologists, and we’ve both observed a concerning rise in communication delays in young children over the past decade.  We’ve witnessed the ways in which these small screens can pull our children’s attention away from real world learning opportunities.  Technology has its benefits (grocery pickup is a personal lifesaver!), but for children, maximizing face to face interactions is imperative for language development. Here are a few ways to support communication skills in a tech-heavy world:

Model Mindful Habits

Kids watch us first. Even setting aside 10–15 minutes each day with phones put away makes a difference. For older children, invite them to help set family screen rules, like no phones at the dinner table or during walks.  Use the screen free time to ask open-ended questions or share stories from your day.  This type of conversation strengthens narrative language skills. 

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Not all screen time is equal. Instead of setting strict time limits, I personally try to pay more attention to the quality of the activity.  A  video chat with grandparents builds connection and allows for the natural turn taking of ongoing conversations.  For me, a family movie night is preferable to solo tablet time, as it allows for group commentary and a shared experience to be reflected on later.

Offer Rich, Screen-Free Experiences

Giving kids opportunities to explore, play, and connect helps to build a strong foundation for language and communication skills.  Here are some great ways to build those skills while enjoying family time:

Outdoor Fun

• Local parks and metroparks with hiking trails, playgrounds, and nature centers.

• Botanical gardens or arboretums, which are stroller-friendly and free or low-cost.

• Splash pads, riverwalks, or community green spaces where kids can move and explore.

• Camping—whether it’s a nearby state park, a family campground, or even a backyard tent night.

  
  

Indoor Fun

• Public libraries, many of which offer storytimes, play areas, and hands-on literacy activities.

• Children’s gyms or play cafés with open play sessions and equipment designed for climbing, swinging, and social play.

• Science centers, children’s museums, or art museums with kid-friendly exhibits that spark creativity and curiosity.

• Community recreation centers offering affordable classes, open gyms, and family programming.

Closing Thought:

Raising children in a tech era doesn’t mean cutting out screens completely but rather using them thoughtfully and making space for real connection. By modeling balance, prioritizing quality interactions, and seeking out simple, screen-free experiences, we can help our children grow into connected and confident communicators.

Author Bio & Contact Information

Gina Schumann, MA-CCC/SLP is a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist. She is the founder of Small Talk Speech Therapy, LLC, specializing in customized in-home speech therapy for children.