How to Support Your Child’s Speech at Home (Without It Feeling Like Therapy)

You do not need flashcards.
You do not need to sit your child down and “work on speech.”

Most of it happens in everyday moments.

A few simple things that actually help:

• Model instead of correcting
  If your child says something incorrectly, just say it back the right way. No big deal.

• Build on what they say
  “Car” can become “go car” or “big car.”

• Use simple routines
  “Ready, set… go!” is a favorite for a reason. Kids know what is coming and want to join in.

• Make it a little silly
  Pause too long. Say something the “wrong” way. Use a funny voice. That is usually when they engage the most.
  This is usually when I see kids start talking more in sessions too.

• Follow their lead
  Talk about what they are already into. That is where the best communication happens.

• Keep it simple
  Short phrases are easier to pick up and repeat.

If it starts to feel like pressure, it usually is. Keeping it light tends to work better.