Focus on what your child is trying to tell you rather than on how clear it is
Children have a lot to think about when they are learning to talk. Let them know you are listening to them.

Let your child hear you say the word clearly

Give just a slight emphasis to the sound(s) your child mispronounced. If
your child says “Look, a seep,” you can say “Yes, I can see the sheep.” This way you are still giving power to what your child says but also helping them to hear and process the correct pronunciation. Often children will then take the cue to repeat the word after you.

Do not force your child repeat the word

This can make children anxious and self-conscious and make it harder for them to say the word. If they are willing, encourage them to say the sound and if they can do that try saying the sound and then the rest of the word e.g. “ch….ch… ch….op”.

Create situations to make it easier to understand what your child is trying to say.

Encourage your child to show you what they are talking about. Look at photos, pictures of things they have done or are interested in so that you have a joint reference.

Build their self-esteem

Do not become over focused on your child’s speech.

Acknowledge and focus on all the other things your child can do and enjoy them.

Don’t pretend to understand

Sometimes you just have to admit that you don’t understand. Try and find other ways for your child to get their message across such as pointing, miming and showing. Reassure your child, change the subject and focus on something positive.

Be aware

Sometimes children do not realise they are mispronouncing words so correcting them can be confusing. For example, a child says “tat”….. adult says, “did you say tat?” the child looks confused and replies “No! I said tat not tat!!!”

Children may be able to articulate a sound but not use it in words or use it in words but not sentences.
This is quite normal. A child may articulate “s” but say “cool” for “school”. Or can say the word “school” but says “ I went to cool.” The best way to help is to repeat the words correctly so your child hears good speech models.

Hearing, tonsils and adenoids

Glue ear, enlarged tonsils and adenoids can have a negative impact upon your child’s speech development. It is very important that you go and see your child’s GP if you are concerned.

Sometimes Speech & Language Therapy from a Speech Pathologist is needed.
For more information or to book an appointment please contact Jo Byron Starfish Speech Pathology 0410 194 040.