As a parent, it can be hard to know what to do when your child struggles to pronounce words clearly. Whether they’re saying “tar” instead of “car” or skipping sounds entirely, it’s natural to feel concerned—especially if their speech is hard for others to understand.
The good news? With the right support, most children can overcome these challenges and develop strong, confident communication skills.
I’m Pamela Cerrato, a licensed speech-language pathologist in Vero Beach, Florida, and I’ve helped countless children improve their speech clarity in fun, engaging ways. Whether you’re already in therapy or just noticing issues for the first time, here are some simple and effective tips you can start using at home.
1. Model Correct Speech Naturally
Rather than correcting your child directly, try modeling the correct way to say the word during your response.
Example:
Child: “I see a tat!”
You: “Wow, that cat is really cute!”
This keeps things positive while reinforcing the correct pronunciation.
2. Turn Practice into Play
Kids learn best through play. Use games like:
- “I Spy” with sounds (“I spy something that starts with ‘S’”)
- Matching picture cards
- Repeating silly rhymes or tongue twisters
These keep your child engaged while practicing the sounds they find tricky.
3. Use a Mirror for Visual Feedback
Let your child watch themselves in the mirror as they make sounds. You can demonstrate how your mouth moves and have them try to copy you. This is especially helpful for tricky sounds like “L,” “R,” and “S.”
4. Slow Things Down
Children often rush their words when they’re excited. Speak slowly and clearly yourself to give them a model to follow. Don’t be afraid to pause and let them think about how to say the word.
5. Read Together Daily
Choose books that are repetitive, rhythmic, or focused on sound patterns—these help build speech awareness. Pause occasionally and ask your child to repeat a sentence or word in a fun, low-pressure way.
6. Encourage Without Pressure
Praise effort, not just accuracy. Celebrate the small wins—like saying a sound correctly just once—and build confidence by making practice feel encouraging rather than corrective.
When Should You Get Help?
Every child develops speech at their own pace, but if your child is 4 or older and still difficult to understand—or shows frustration when speaking—it might be time to schedule a speech evaluation. Early support can make a big difference.
Ready to support your child’s communication skills?
👉 Click here to schedule a consultation
I’m here to help your child feel confident, understood, and successful—one word at a time.
