For Parents: Supporting Your Child's Speech Journey

A child's speech development journey can have its ups and downs, but parental support is one of the most powerful tools for success. Your encouragement and consistent practice at home can make a world of difference.

First, create a positive and low-pressure environment for communication. Celebrate small victories and focus on effort rather than perfection. Listen patiently and give your child plenty of time to express themselves. Make practice fun by incorporating it into games and daily activities. For example, you can practice target sounds while reading a favorite book or during a car ride. Remember, you are your child's biggest cheerleader.

Another helpful strategy is to model correct speech without directly correcting your child. If they say, "I see a wabbit," you can respond with, "Oh, you see a rabbit! That's so cool." This provides a correct model without creating pressure or shame. Finally, while home practice is invaluable, it's also essential to work with a qualified speech-language pathologist. They can provide a formal diagnosis, create a tailored therapy plan, and give you specific exercises and strategies to use at home. Your partnership with the therapist is key to your child's progress.