Ms. Rachel, CoComelon, and Learning to Talk: What Every Parent Should Know

As a speech-language pathologist, I'm often asked:

"Do Ms. Rachel and CoComelon help children learn to talk?"

My answer may surprise you.

I'm not saying that every children's program is bad, or that children should never watch educational videos.

What I am saying is that there is a limited time and place for screens, especially during the years when children are learning to communicate.

There is a very important difference between watching language and using language.

Children Can Imitate What They See

Many children will sing songs, copy gestures, repeat words, or imitate sounds they hear from videos.

That can certainly be enjoyable, and imitation is one small part of learning.

But imitation alone is not communication.

Real speech and language development happens through interaction.

Communication Happens Between People

Children don't learn language simply by hearing words; they learn because another person responds to them.

Every day, children need someone who will:

• Pause and wait for them to respond.
• Notice when they point or reach for something.
• Respond to their facial expressions and body language.
• Expand on the words they attempt to say.
• Celebrate their communication attempts, even before words are clear.

These back-and-forth interactions build the foundation for speech, language, and social communication.

A video simply can't replace that experience.

Everyday Moments Are the Best Speech Therapy

Some of the richest opportunities for language development happen during ordinary routines.

Think about how much communication happens while:

• Playing with toys
• Reading books together
• Eating meals
• Taking a bath
• Riding in the car
• Grocery shopping
• Solving little everyday problems

These moments naturally encourage children to ask, answer, request, comment, and connect.

That's how language grows.

Screens Present Information. People Create Conversation.

One of the biggest differences between a screen and a caregiver is responsiveness.

A screen keeps going whether a child is paying attention or not, but a responsive adult notices when a child looks confused, excited, curious, or frustrated; they stop, wait, and respond.

That pause gives the child an opportunity to communicate.

Those tiny moments, repeated hundreds of times each day, are where speech and language truly develop.

It's About Balance, Not Perfection

Technology isn't the enemy.

Educational programs can introduce songs, vocabulary, and fun activities.

But they work best when they support, not replace, real conversations with caring adults.

If your child enjoys a favorite show, try watching together; pause the video, ask questions, copy the gestures, sing the songs together, and talk about what's happening on the screen.

Those shared interactions transform passive watching into active learning.

The Greatest Teacher Is a Responsive Adult

For more than 30 years, I've worked with children and families to build speech and language skills, and one lesson has remained true through every generation of technology: children learn to communicate by communicating.

They need eye contact, smiles, turn-taking, and someone who notices their attempts and responds with warmth and encouragement.

No app, video, or television program can fully replace the power of human connection.

Final Thoughts

Educational shows can be enjoyable and even introduce new words and ideas, but when it comes to learning to communicate, children need something far more valuable than a screen.

They need someone to listen, respond, and share everyday moments filled with conversation, curiosity, and connection, because while a screen presents information, a responsive person creates communication, and that difference matters.

Want to Help Your Child Build Strong Communication Skills?

Whether your child is just beginning to talk or is struggling with speech and language, the most powerful learning happens through meaningful interaction.

If you're looking for practical, child-friendly strategies that fit naturally into everyday life, I'd love to help.

Together, we can turn everyday moments into opportunities for communication, confidence, and connection.