It Takes Two to Talk^® — The Hanen Program^® for Parents of Children with Language Delays 

The It Takes Two to Talk Program is designed specifically for parents of young children (birth to 5 years of age) who have been identified as having a language delay. In a small, personalized group setting, parents learn practical strategies to help their children learn language naturally throughout their day together. You can also participate in this program online via telepractice.

The It Takes Two to Talk Program teaches you, step-by-step, how to become your child’s most important language teacher. The program shows you how to:

• Recognize your child’s stage and style of communication so that, together with the speech-language pathologist, you can identify next steps and goals
• Identify what motivates your child to communicate
• Use the strategy "Follow the Child's Lead" to build their confidence and encourage them to communicate with you
• Adjust everyday routines to help your child take turns back and forth in interactions
• Follow your child’s lead to build his confidence and encourage him to communicate
• Talk to your child in ways that help them understand language and then use it when they're ready
• Use the strategies when you play and read books with your child to help them interact and learn language

Program components

• An orientation session in which you'll learn about the program and what to expect
• A pre-program consultation for you and your child with the Hanen speech-language pathologist
• Eight interesting and interactive small group sessions, led by the Hanen speech-language pathologist. In these sessions, you learn about communication and language development, as well as how to use the program strategies.
• Three individual visits for you and your child with the speech-language pathologist that include a video recording of you and your child interacting together, followed by discussion with, and feedback from, the Hanen SLP.

Program Resources

It Takes Two to Talk: A Practical Guide for Parents of Children with Language Delays is the guidebook you’ll use throughout the program to support your learning. This guidebook outlines all of the strategies covered in the program with very practical examples of what to say and do with your child to promote his language skills.

Parents who are waiting to attend a program may purchase the guidebook in advance to give their learning a head start and to gain some practical strategies that they can start using with their child right away.

Learn more about the It Takes Two to Talk guidebook.

Benefits of Taking the It Takes Two to Talk® Program

Practical strategies you can use in everyday situations

The It Takes Two to Talk Program shows you how to use your natural, day-to-day life with your child to help them develop language skills. You’ll discover simple things you can do during everyday activities like meal time, story time and bath time to create enjoyable learning opportunities for your child.

It Takes Two to Talk translates the research on early language intervention into concrete strategies that are easy for parents to understand and to put into practice. The program offers you many opportunities to practice and discuss each strategy you learn so that you’ll be comfortable and confident using them at home.

Here’s an example of an It Takes Two to Talk strategy that can be used during any activity to encourage your child to start conversations:

“OWL to Let Your Child Lead”
Observe
Wait
Listen

Research has shown that children learn language best when they are allowed to lead a conversation and communicate about what interests them. The OWL strategy will help you follow your child’s lead so that they’ll be more likely to stay in the interaction with you and get the practice and feedback they need to build their communication skills.

An evidence-based and reputable program that’s worth your time

It Takes Two to Talk was developed by expert speech-language pathologists and is grounded in extensive research. This evidence-based program has been proven in clinical practice to have positive effects on the communication development of young children.

The strategies you learn in It Takes Two to Talk will become such a natural part of the way you interact with your child that you'll be using them long after the program is over without even noticing. In this way, the many benefits of It Takes Two to Talk will continue for years to come

For a detailed research summary, click on the link below:

The chance to connect with other parents

One of the greatest benefits of the It Takes Two to Talk Program is the opportunity it provides to connect with other parents in similar situations. You’ll have the chance to meet people who really understand what you’re feeling and gain valuable insight by listening to their own experiences using It Takes Two to Talk strategies with their child.

What parents say about the It Takes Two to Talk® Program...

The It Takes Two to Talk Program has empowered hundreds of parents around the world to play a key role in helping their child develop language skills. One parent told us:

“I have just completed It Takes Two to Talk. What a difference this has made to the quality of life for my little girl. She is more confident and will initiate a conversation and join in activities. Several weeks ago she would not have done so.”
- Patricia, mother of four-year-old Kelly

Finding an It Takes Two to Talk® Program

It Takes Two to Talk Programs are offered by Hanen Certified Speech-Language Pathologists all around the world. To find a program in your area, you can use this website to search for a Hanen Certified SLP or search for a Hanen Program.

Learn more about the online program

Find a Hanen SLP

Find a Hanen Program