HRM Parent Blog

Special thanks to Carolyn Dougan, a Halifax based certified Speech-Language Pathologist and the proud mom of two young kids, for this post on taking some time this month to focus on your child's language development.

As a parent, it seems like there is always something to worry about. One question most parents have is, “Is my child’s speech and language where it should be for their age?”  May is Speech and Hearing Month. So, what better time to review a few important tips and information for parents!

There are a variety of communication disorders a child may have. Some of the most common are listed below:

1. Articulation delays/disorders -omitting, substituting, or distorting sounds (e.g., “wook” for “look”)
2. Voice disorders (clarity, volume, pitch, hoarseness)
3. Stuttering (hesitations, syllable or word repetitions, and restarts).
4. Language delays/disorders (i.e., difficulties with expression and understanding of language).

There are things that you can do at home to facilitate your child’s language development. Here are a few important talking tips:

Observe- watch, listen, and follow your child’s lead

Simplify your language- keep your language similar to your child’s language

Comment- talk about what is going on around you- be the constant narrator!

Interpret - respond to gestures and words/word attempts your child makes

Routines - take advantage of everyday activities (e.g., brushing teeth, getting dressed, cooking, etc.)

Expand- add to what your child says (e.g., if you child says “ball”, you could say “big, red ball’)

Imitate- copy actions, sounds and words

Questions – try to ask questions that require more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer

Songs and Nursery Rhymes - use music and games to encourage talking

Books and Reading - reading is a great way to encourage language development in addition to literacy development

(Ten Toddler Talking Tips, Health PEI, 2010)

Babies learn to talk by listening to the voices and sounds around them. It is also important to note that all children develop at different rates. It is often hard to know if a child has a speech or language problem. So, trust your instincts! You’re the parent and you know your child best.  If you suspect a problem, see a Speech-Language Pathologist. Even children under the age of two can be helped with speech and language development.

For more information, consult the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists at www.caslpa.ca