Local speech pathologist, Robin Best, M.A., C.C.C., P.A., shares some advice on how to work on your child’s speech as they grow and shares some ideas on things that parents can do with their children to help with speech development.
There are many ways to keep our children healthy, happy and stimulated in our environment. Parents are inundated with so much to buy and do for their children that sometimes it is good to remember the simplest things can be the most productive in teaching your children to thrive.
Speech is first acquired as an imitated response. Some suggestions on how to introduce speech and language growth at home are as follows:
- Encourage motor, play and sound imitation in the first years of life. Some examples are clapping hands or raising hands up and down, playing drums or ringing a bell, making animal sounds and environment sounds like (car motor, train sounds , uh oh , etc)
- Remember to imitate your youngster sometimes. That enables them to be the leader and encourages a play atmosphere which encourages more imitation interplay.
- Limit the amount of motor, play or sound imitation to start. Then you can increase the
model you are presenting after smaller presentations were successful. - Remember to use only one word or one animal or environmental sound when establishing imitation
When speech words start, usually between 9 and 12 months, the words will not always be perfectly articulated. Sometimes some approximations can mean multiple things. For example, the baby may say “Ma” which could mean mom in some instances or more in others. A mistake some parents make is not recognizing when a word is spoken and not reinforcing it with the response, “yes, mom is here” or “yes, I will give you more banana”.
As the child grows into a toddler or preschooler, exposing your child to new experiences will help improve vocabulary and develop language skills. Some ideas on new experiences can include:
- Libraries, zoos, aquariums, baby gyms, play groups, playgrounds, the beach
- Cooking and cleaning with you at home are all ways to strengthen communication
Use your imagination to expose your youngster to new experiences and their speech and language will reflect that exposure. After all, speech and language is based on the life we lead. Think of all the language skills in making muffins together or making and flying a kite.
On the other hand, if your child is behind on speech or language skills based on your observations of other children or if the pediatrician is concerned about your child’s development, professional assessment from a speech language pathologist is essential. Early intervention makes a big difference in a child’s future potential. Speech and Language therapy is provided in schools if the child meets the criteria set by the state. Private speech and language therapy is also available for those who will pay out of pocket or through a health plan.
Please contact Robin Best, with any concerns you have about your child’s speech and language development. Robin is local to Palm Beach County and has over 30+ years of experience working with speech language deficits.
Robin Best, M.A., C.C.C., P.A
(954)629-1521
[email protected]
