Speaking is a natural act, but surprisingly, it can be challenging for some people. Speech disorders are more common than you imagine. According to data shared by the National Institutes of Health, 1 in 12 American children ages 3-17 struggled with such disorders in the past year. They face issues related to speech, language, voice, or swallowing.
As a parent, you may suffer as much as your child when you see them struggling to communicate and express themselves. Everyday challenges like isolation, frustration, and bullying can eventually affect their confidence and self-esteem. This can affect emotional well-being, social development, and academic success.
Here are a few expert-recommended steps parents can try when raising kids with speech difficulties.
Practice Active Listening
Children with speech difficulties often feel misunderstood or overlooked. According to the CDC, active listening can help parents to communicate better with their children. Moreover, it improves your bonding as the child knows that you are paying attention to what they have to say. Active listening is even more important for parents of kids with speech difficulties.
Since your child may not be able to speak with ease, allow them enough time to express themselves without interruption. Avoid the urge to finish their sentences or correct them mid-speech, no matter how much you want to help. Maintain eye contact and focus your attention on your child throughout the conversations.
Once they are done, respond thoughtfully to what they say, showing that their thoughts are valued. Over time, this reinforces their confidence in communicating.
Get Professional Help
Parents Magazine shares the language milestones for children from ages 1 to 4. While timelines may differ for every child, you can expect them to speak a handful of words by 12 months. A two-year-old will have an expanded vocabulary, link words, and use pronouns. By the age of three, most children speak in clear sentences.
If your child seems to miss out on these milestones, you must seek professional help. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are specialists who support children with speech difficulties. Early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s progress and self-esteem.
The role of a speech-language pathologist in schools is a critical one as they can recognize problems that parents may miss. They can help students optimize their communication abilities and get better with their academic and social skills.
Ithaca College notes that more than half of SLPs work in school settings. That means parents need not take their kids to private clinics to seek help. Professional help includes comprehensive evaluations and individualized therapy plans tailored to the child’s needs. Further, parents can seek guidance on how to support speech development at home.
Encourage Group Activities
Group activities can also help children with speech difficulties develop confidence and self-esteem. They provide opportunities to practice communication in a supportive environment. Moreover, interacting with children with similar issues makes kids less conscious of their shortcomings.
The best group activities for such kids are cooperative games, storytelling circles, role-play exercises, and art or music sessions. Dan Hughes, a parent, talks about the power of music to enhance communication skills in kids with speech delays. An article he wrote for SEN Magazine describes how adding melodies to words in the right context helped his son.
Participating in group settings encourages children with speech difficulties to build friendships and develop social skills. They also experience a sense of belonging. However, every child should be made to contribute at their own pace. They should be paired with empathetic peers who model patience and encouragement.
Appreciate Efforts
Consistent positive reinforcement is another proven way to nurture self-esteem in children with speech delays. Have realistic expectations in the first place as they reduce the pressure on your child. Celebrate every attempt they make to communicate, regardless of the outcome.
Praise effort and progress, not just perfection. Highlight small victories, such as trying a new word or joining a group discussion. Displaying their artwork or achievements at home can take their confidence levels to the sky. They will also be happy to see you sharing their successes with family members and friends.
This approach helps children associate communication with positive feelings. It also motivates them to keep trying to be better.
FAQs
When does a child start talking clearly?
Speech clarity develops gradually in children, and milestones may differ. By 18 months, 25% of a child’s speech should be understandable to familiar people. This increases to 50-75% by 24 months. At 36 months, almost everything they speak should be intelligible to familiar people. Most children should be understood even by unfamiliar listeners by 4 years.
Does speech therapy help with confidence?
Yes, speech therapy does more than address communication challenges. It can also boost confidence and self-esteem as SLPs know exactly how to help. As children learn to express themselves more clearly, they experience less frustration and social anxiety. This leads to improved participation in school and social settings.
Can a child overcome speech disorders?
Many children can overcome speech disorders with early intervention and consistent support. Progress depends on the underlying cause and the child’s individual strengths. Additionally, the quality of therapy and home reinforcement can make a difference. Even when challenges persist, children can learn effective strategies to communicate and thrive socially and academically.
Supporting a child with speech difficulties is not a mean feat for parents. However, patience, empathy, and a collaborative approach can help you create an environment where your child can thrive. Most importantly, seek professional help as it can go a long way to build strong self-esteem and the confidence your child needs to find their voice.
