Sometimes children do not master the sounds we would expect by a particular age and as a result their speech can be unclear and difficult to understand.  Often they can make progress with support and practice but sometimes their difficulties can be longer lasting.

Slow your speech and set a good example, this will reduce the need for your child to respond quickly and give them more time,

 

Model back speech correctly, if they say “look at the tar’ say ‘yes well done it’s a car’

 

Don’t make your child repeat words as it is likely they will not be able to make the sound correctly and could lead to frustration,

 

If you don’t understand what they have said ask them to show you or point to it, Repeat back what you have understood so show them they have been partially successful,

 

Try to give the message that the problem is yours, not theirs, for example, “My ears aren’t working properly today! Can you tell me again louder / slower, etc ….”

 

Build confidence by praising clear speech, 

 

If your child continually uses a dummy, it may adversely affect speech development. See the handout on the previous page for more details