Speech problems in childhood are common—and oftentimes viewed as endearing. But sometimes, a child’s speech challenges can become severe. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to watch your child struggle with something that seems so simple. You might think, “Just say it!” And they would, if only they could.
I challenge you to think how it might feel to know what you would like to say, but were unable to say it. What would you need? Children who struggle with speech and language need support and encouragement from their caregivers. Inability to speak is generally not a result of bad behavior – or the desire to speak. So how can you help?
Here are some tips:
- To improve conversation skills, have a “give and take.” Whether it’s bath time, dinner time, or drive time, respond to your baby’s babbling or engage your preschooler in a discussion about something that interests him/her. Ask open-ended questions and elicit his/her opinions.
- Read together. Ask questions about the story and illustrations: What’s happening in this picture? Why did the character do that? What do you think will happen next?
- Describe what you and your child are doing and why, whether it’s feeding the dog or putting away toys. This technique helps build vocabulary and comprehension
- Keep corrections subtle, and imbed it within the conversation at hand. When your child makes an error in speech, gently rephrase what he was trying to say. If he says “I runned to the car,” you can respond with: “Oh, you ran to the car?” If a child is prone to short sentences, elaborate on what s/he says to encourage longer statements.
- Be patient. Some children need extra time to process a question, think of an answer, and get it out. Giving your child as much time as she needs shows that you’re interested and encourages communication.
- A speech and language therapist can give you further techniques to encourage your child to talk without frustrating him/her. Once s/he begins to enjoy success, confidence will improve, and the desire to talk more will ensue.
And last, but not least, take heart. You’re not alone. There are millions of children struggling with speech and language disorders. These often bright and creative children who have so much to say but just can’t get the words to come out right. A speech and language therapist can give you additional techniques to encourage your child to talk without frustrating him or her. Once your child begins to enjoy success, confidence will improve, and the desire to talk more will ensue.