From Pamela Cerrato, MA CCC-SLP | Pediatric Speech Therapist | Vero Beach, FL
Oral motor skills are the foundation for so many important things in a child’s life—chewing, swallowing, speaking clearly, and even developing confidence in social situations. If your child struggles with things like drooling, unclear speech, or trouble managing food, chances are they need a little support in strengthening those muscles and movements.
As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I’ve seen firsthand how much progress children can make when therapy is reinforced at home with fun, simple activities. Whether your child is already receiving therapy or you’re just noticing early signs of difficulty, these easy at-home tips can make a big difference.
What Are Oral Motor Skills, and Why Do They Matter?
Oral motor skills involve the strength, coordination, and awareness of the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks. These muscles help your child:
- Articulate sounds correctly
- Chew food thoroughly and safely
- Manage saliva appropriately
- Speak with clarity and confidence
When these muscles are weak or uncoordinated, it can impact speech development, feeding, and overall communication.
7 Helpful At-Home Tips to Build Oral Motor Strength
1. Blowing Bubbles
Not only is it fun, but bubble play helps develop lip rounding and breath control—two key components for clear speech.
2. Use a Straw Instead of a Sippy Cup
Drinking through a straw encourages tongue retraction and cheek strength, which are critical for both articulation and swallowing.
3. Make Funny Faces in the Mirror
Encourage your child to stick out their tongue, puff their cheeks, smile wide, or make fish lips. Mirror play builds awareness and control of facial muscles.
4. Try Chewy Foods (When Appropriate)
With supervision, offer safe chewy snacks like licorice, dried fruit, or bagels. These help build jaw strength and endurance—essential for speech and feeding.
5. Whistle and Horn Play
Toy whistles, kazoos, and party blowers are excellent tools to encourage controlled breathing and lip closure.
6. Tongue Pushing and Licking Games
Have your child push their tongue against a spoon or pretend to “lick off” peanut butter from around their lips. This improves tongue strength and range of motion.
7. Sing Silly Songs with Exaggerated Mouth Movements
Songs like “Old MacDonald” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It” can be modified to include exaggerated mouth sounds and repetition, which helps build muscle memory.
A Gentle Reminder for Parents
Consistency is key. A few minutes of daily play can lead to measurable progress over time. And remember—progress looks different for every child. Be patient, celebrate the small wins, and always offer praise and encouragement.
Concerned About Your Child’s Speech or Oral Motor Development?
If your child is struggling with speech clarity, feeding, or drooling, early support can make all the difference. I offer evaluations and personalized therapy plans in a warm, one-on-one setting that puts your child at ease.
👉 Click Here to schedule a free discovery call and take the next step.
Pamela Cerrato, MA CCC-SLP
Compassionate Support. Effective Results.
Helping children thrive—one word, one smile, one breakthrough at a time.
