Having your child say his first words is one of the biggest wonders of being a parent. Some kids pick up words faster than others. As a parent, you can help your child achieve their speech development milestones quicker.
7 Ways Parents Can Help With Speech Therapy
If your child is finding it challenging to keep up with his speech milestones, don’t worry. Here are 7 ways how parents can help with speech therapy:
Talk to Your Child
Often times, parents assume that because their child is not responding to them, he doesn’t understand what they are saying. And that a one-sided conversation isn’t really helping them.
That’s not true. A child first develops his receptive language skills where he is trying to understand the language. The part where he starts talking comes later on.
Keep talking. Think of yourself as in a TV show giving commentary about everything and anything. What are you doing? Why are doing this? How are you feeling?
It might feel silly, but it will develop a bond with your kid and also does wonders to their speech. And once your child’s start using his first words, aim for some back and forth conversation. Ask questions. Comment on what’s happening around you.
Point and Label
Just point and label objects in your surroundings to help build your child’s vocabulary. Again, even if he isn’t talking, he is still learning. Point to a ball, and say ball. Start adding more words once he gets the hang of the basics. Something like, a red shiny ball.
Later, you can also try using simple directives like, ‘Can you pass me the ball’.
Read Together
Take out the time to read together every day. Find age-appropriate books with lots of pictures and bright illustrations. Something that gets your child’s interest.
Sing Nursery Rhymes Together
Nursery Rhymes are a great speech development tool. Sing the same nursery rhymes again and again. Let your child finish off some of the verses once you feel they are familiar with the rhyme and shows signs of responding.
Play With Your Child
And let him be the leader. Talk to him about what he is doing, and what how he expects you to be part of the game. Even if he wants to play alone, just sit down with him and talk. You don’t necessarily have to ask questions. Questions can often by demanding for a child just learning to develop language skills.
Go Out Together
Take field trips outside the house to expose your child to new objects and surroundings. Point and label objects in your surroundings. Go grocery shopping. When you pick up items to put in your trolley, label them for your child. You can also do a picture scavenger hunt. Go for simple, easy objects like a leaf or a flower. Point to the picture of the flower, and say the word, ‘flower’. Now keep repeating the word until your child finds the flower.
Never Criticize
Never criticize your child’s use of vocabulary or his articulation. To correct, simply repeat the sentence using the right words and sound. Encourage him to repeat after you.
It’s okay if your kid doesn’t use the right words in the beginning. If he says, then don’t criticize. Just repeat the right word, saying, ‘You mean cup’.
If you wish to take an active part in your child’s speech development therapy, we recommend the Hanen More Than Word Program. This Program combines the expertise of the speech therapist with the dedication of the parent to offer your child one of the best speech therapy programs in San Jose California. To know more about the Hanen Program and how parents can help with speech therapy, book a free consultation with JLD Therapy.