WELCOME!
Empowering parents and professionals to nurture and grow confident communicators — one connection at a time!
Welcome! I am Marisa Whitman M.S. SLP-CCC. I’m a speech-language pathologist and a mom, helping you bridge the gap between what research says and what real life looks like. I have been a board certified and licensed Speech Pathologist and communication expert for over 20 years.
Mission
To empower parents and professionals to build confident communicators through everyday connection, language, and play — using real-life strategies grounded in child development science.
Vision
A world where every parent feels capable and confident supporting their child’s communication — no jargon, no guilt, just connection.
Brand Promise
Real tools. Real connection. Real growth.
I share my knowledge, strategies and tips for early speech and language development as well as offering workshops, courses and small group, weekly sessions to support families, like yours, in developing your innate ability to make EARLY connection and communication EASY!
REAL MOM SLP
LANGUAGE MATTERS HERE
🌟The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.
— Peggy O’Mara
You’ve probably said things like
“You’re so smart!”
“You’re okay!”
“Be careful — you’re so clumsy.”
We all do.
But what most parents don’t realize is this:
Those everyday words aren’t just encouragement — they’re identity-forming.
Language Matters is a research-backed, heart-centered course that teaches parents how to use intentional communication to raise confident, resilient, emotionally healthy kids — starting with the words you already use every day.
Built by an early childhood communication expert, this course blends neuroscience, child development, and real-life parenting moments into tools that actually work in the messiness of real family life.
🌟💛 Why Language Matters
Children don’t learn who they are in a vacuum.
They learn through the mirror of their caregivers.
The tone, content, and frequency of our language shape:
how children see themselves
how they handle mistakes
how they approach challenges
and how safe they feel expressing emotions
Identity isn’t just inherited — it’s built.
And the bricks we use… are our words.
💡 Inside Language Matters, You’ll Learn:
✔ Why identity-based praise can backfire
Why phrases like “You’re so smart” or “You’re my shy one” can create pressure, fear of failure, and avoidance — even when they sound positive.
✔ What to say instead (effort-based praise)
How to highlight process, strategy, courage, and persistence so your child builds confidence from the inside out.
✔ How your words shape emotional resilience
Learn how to mirror, model, and move emotions so big feelings become moments of connection — not shutdowns or power struggles.
✔ Real-life scripts & swaps
Exactly what to say during:
meltdowns
mistakes
sibling conflict
fear, frustration, and disappointment
everyday wins and challenges
✔ How everyday moments build identity
Why bath time, snack prep, story time, and school drop-off are gold mines for shaping your child’s inner voice.
What families and professionals are saying about me:
Welcome to Real Mom SLP!
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Questions about your child's Language Development
WHY is my child NOT talking or delayed in acquiring language skills ?
WHY does communication always seem fraught with frustration and meltdowns?
HOW do I get my child to connect with me, interact with me, talk to me?
WHERE is my child currently functioning and HOW can I help them reach their potential?
WHAT do I bring to the interaction and how can I better support my child’s development?
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Be EMPOWERED to help your child
Connect with your child in a way you never thought possible, a way that transforms your relationship and ignites their communication skills and confidence!
Support their speech and language growth with research backed, best practice strategies .
Check out our Language Matters Digital Course!
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What if your child isn't even saying words yet
Pre-linguistic (pre-verbal) skills are directly correlated to later language and reading skills. What is your child’s style of communication and how is your parenting style impacting the interaction?
Grab the Quick Start Guide and the Full Guided Course ~ 1,2,3…Connect with ME This program will give you the data, strategies and personalized support you need.
We have been featured in BoldJourney Magazine
BoldJourney Magazine interviewed me as one of their Purpose Driven Female Entrepreneurs! I am so humbled, proud and grateful! Read the article Here
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