Help your child speak by creating a positive speaking environment

Most parents would agree that a child’s learning environment plays an important role in their ability to learn. A student who studies in front of a television, eating a lot of junk food will retain less than a student who studies in a quiet room with healthy eating habits. A child with a speech delay is also affected by the environment.

Although we cannot force a child to speak, we can provide a speech-rich environment. There are many factors that influence a child’s environment. Today I’m going to focus on four ways to create a positive speaking environment.

The first step in helping your child speak by creating a positive speaking environment is to show the need for communication. As a parent, I know that my need for survival or convenience can often cloud my children’s long-term vision. In the moment, no matter what is happening, it is tempting to do what is easy at the time, rather than the best. If your child has limited speech, it is best for your child to communicate his needs and wants. One way to demonstrate the need for communication is to avoid anticipating your child’s needs quickly. Wait for your child to gesture or speak before you get what he wants. After your child tries to communicate, respond with praise and model correct speech. For example, if your child is whining or crying for a drink, the easiest way to eliminate the crying in the moment is to quickly give the drink to your child. However, the best way is to hold back a bit and say, “Do you want a drink?” or “Say, ‘milk.'” Once the child tries to communicate, say, “Great question!” If your child uses sign language to help communicate, be consistent. Ask your child to sign before he gets what he wants.

The following two ways to create a positive speaking environment go hand in hand. You want to reduce frustration and encourage your child. You want your child to be successful, so encourage him. Show that you and your child are in this together. Give your child your full attention when you talk to him. Pay attention to your own facial expressions and body language, and make sure you appear interested by showing enthusiasm. Be patient with your child when trying to communicate. Don’t interrupt your child or try to finish his sentence. As you try to reduce frustration, be sure to give your child time to respond, without showing frustration. Remember that your child may be frustrated too, so you want to take as much pressure off as possible. Always remember to praise your child when he says a sound (word or phase) correctly or even if he tries a specific sound.

The fourth way to create a positive speaking environment is to lead by example. TALK! When you speak, pay attention to the way you speak. Speak one step ahead of your child’s communication level. So if your child isn’t using words to communicate yet, start by labeling the objects. When your child starts labeling, start using two-word sentences. Talk about what you are doing, what you hear, or what you see. Also talk about what your child does, hears, and sees.

Lastly, if you want to provide a positive speaking environment, involve more people than yourself. Involve your entire family, educators, and friends as you work to improve your child’s speech. Share with them how you and your child are working to improve his speech. Let them know how they can be a part of your child’s speech development.

Again, the 4 ways to create a positive speaking environment are:

1. Show a need for communication by not anticipating all of your child’s needs,

2. Reduce frustration by not showing frustration,

3. Praise your child for all his little successes and

4. Lead by example by talking and labeling everything.

One additional tip for speech development: HAVE FUN! It will reduce stress on your child and he will have fun if he has fun. If your toddler’s speech delay is causing frustration in your family, there are many more ways you can help him speak. For helpful tips and advice, visit my website at http://www.speechcalendar.com