Speech development begins as soon as your child is born. Even before they can speak, your child is watching you for verbal cues on how to form their first words. As your child grows up and begins speaking, you may notice that they've developed some speech problems. Some speech problems will go away as your child practices their language skills. However, some speech problems will end up requiring speech therapy. If your child requires speech therapy, there are some things you can do to help them develop proper patterns of speech. Here are four steps you can take that will help your child during speech therapy.
Always Speak Clearly
Each time you speak, your child is using those verbal cues to develop their own speech patterns. If you're not speaking clearly, or you're speaking too quickly, your child's brain may not be able to process what you're saying correctly. Because of that, it's important that you always speak slowly and clearly when speaking to your child.
Repeat What Your Child Says
Children need reinforcement from you when learning to speak, and when overcoming speech impediments. One way to help them with their speech is to repeat what they say. Not only will repeating what your child says let them know that you're actively listening to them, it will also allow your child to hear what their statements should actually sound like.
Practice Face-to-Face Speaking
You might not realize this, but your child is learning how to speak by watching your face. When you speak to them while your back is turned towards them, they can't see your face to mimic your mouth movements. You can encourage proper speech patterns by practicing face to face speaking with your child. Spend a few minutes each day engaging in face to face speaking. This can either be practiced at the table, or even outside on a blanket. This face to face time will help your child learn how their mouth should form for proper speech.
Don't Finish Your Child's Sentences
If your child has a speech problem, it may be tempting to finish their sentences for them, especially when they seem to be having difficulty. However, you want to avoid doing that. Finishing your child's sentences for them can actually encourage the speech problems by making it easier for them to avoid practicing those difficult words and phrases. Not only that, but finishing your child's sentences may lead to frustration that can further reinforce their speech difficulties.
If your child is having difficulty with speech development, talk to your doctor about speech therapy. Use the tips provided above to help your child develop proper speech patterns. For more information, contact speech therapist services such as Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy.
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