Helping My Child with Speech Sounds

More about helping my child with speech sounds

Children learn speech sounds slowly over time, and it is normal for younger children to be hard to understand at first. Some sounds are trickier than others, and many children are still learning to say them clearly up to around age six. You might notice your child swaps sounds, misses sounds out, or says words differently each time.

For most children, this improves as they grow and get more practice. There are lots of everyday reasons why speech sounds may be difficult, and it is not your fault. Children learn by listening, watching, and copying, so things like hearing lots of clear speech, having time to listen, and joining in with play all help. Every child develops at their own pace, and some simply need more time. It can feel frustrating if you or others cannot always understand your child, and your child may also feel upset or lose confidence.

There are simple ways you can support your child at home. Try to get your child’s attention and eye contact before you speak, and talk at their level so they can see your face clearly. Speak slowly and clearly, and repeat words back the right way instead of correcting them directly. Praise your child when their speech is clear, and let them know kindly if you do not understand, helping them try again by pointing, showing, or choosing between options.

Making practice fun can really help your child learn. Spend a few minutes several times a week playing with sounds using actions, faces, and games, such as making animal noises or pretending sounds like “sss” for a snake or “b” for a bouncing ball. You can use a mirror so your child can watch how sounds are made, or make a simple scrapbook of pictures that match a tricky sound. If your child is still very hard to understand compared to other children their age, or they are becoming upset about speaking, it may be a good time to seek advice and support.