Most children learn how to talk by hearing language used around them. Some children have trouble saying sounds and words, even though they understand words and express themselves with actions and facial expressions.

Your child may need to hear, see, and practise sounds and words many times before they learn and use them. Here are ways you can help your child and have fun at the same time.

Be face to face

When your child can see your face close up, they can see how your mouth moves and hear your sounds better.

When you speak to your child, bring them up to your level, or go down to their level by crouching, kneeling, sitting, or lying on the floor facing them.

Imitate your child

Copy the actions, sounds, and words your child makes. After you copy them, wait 5 seconds to give them time to figure out the action, sound, or word. They may then try to copy you.

Your child may only copy actions at first, then sounds, and later words. Encourage them when they try to make a sound or say a word.

Repeat

Use books, nursery rhymes, and songs. They let your child see and hear the same words many times in a fun way.

Say important words many times throughout the day. For example: “Up, up, up, you go!”

Be a model

Model speech for your child. Say sounds and words often, then repeat them, clearly and correctly.

When your child tries to say a word that does not sound like it should, repeat the word slowly and clearly without correcting your child.

Have fun with simple sounds and words throughout the day. Try “wow,” “whee,” “yeah,” “moo,” “pop,” and “up.” Say the sounds and wait to see if your child tries to say them too.

To make sounds very clear, try saying them a little louder or longer (for example, “pop,” or “ssnake”).

To model how your mouth forms sounds and words, hold an item by your mouth, and then say its name clearly so your child will look at your mouth.

Where to get help

To learn how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help with speech, language, and hearing concerns, contact your child’s healthcare provider or visit Pediatric Rehabilitation.​​