3 common mistakes you are making with your speech-delayed toddler

Hey parents! I'm here to offer guidance on the delicate journey of supporting speech-delayed toddlers. Communication is a beautiful dance, and by avoiding these common missteps, we can ensure our little ones take each step with confidence and joy. Here are 3 common mistakes we see parents making with their speech-delayed children that can have a huge impact.

1. You’re asking them to “say” a lot.

“Say dog! Say mama!” We've all been there, asking our toddlers to "say" words over and over. But here's the thing: constantly demanding they say words can place too many demands on your child, and toddlers are fighting for autonomy.

Instead: let's model without expectation. Show them the dog and say, "Dog! You want the dog? Here’s the dog." This approach invites them to communicate without feeling like they're under the spotlight, promoting a more natural and relaxed learning environment.

2. You are not accepting or acknowledging their communication attempt and you are focused on trying to correct them.

It's easy to focus on correcting your child's articulation (e.g. pronunciation) but remember, it's not about perfection at this stage. 2 year olds should be approximately 50% understandable to unfamiliar listeners. When your toddler makes an effort to communicate, regardless of how they articulate it, shower them with encouragement.

Instead: be a stellar speech model by repeating their words correctly back to them, without expecting an immediate imitation. This nurtures their confidence, making them more likely to give it another shot.

3. Avoid Labels, Connect Instead:

Toddlers can sometimes appear stubborn, but it's important not to label them as such. Instead, try to understand their perspective. Remember, the energy required for a tantrum exceeds that for saying a word. If they could, they would!

Instead: Focus on building connection and acknowledging their communication attempts. This understanding approach fosters a positive environment where they feel safe to express themselves. It makes a worlds of a difference!

If you have any questions regarding your child’s speech and language development give our office a call today for a complimentary consultation. We are located in Calabasas offer speech and language therapy to children in-office or via zoom if you reside in the state of California. The earlier you intervene, the better. Don’t wait and see!

With Love,

SG Speech Therapy