Addressing Speech Delays

Addressing Speech Delays

By Margaret Gaia

Kids usually start to babble at a varied age. Some start after seven months while some start either earlier or later. The first word they will utter, usually “Mama”, is like a hum to a parent’s ear. But certain premature babies, who are usually multiples, are prone to this. But it could also be related to family history and ear infections or other illness.

That is why this book also wants to prepare and enlighten parents of what to do in case they observed speech delay in their kids.

It is not easy to tell whether your child suffer from speech delay or not. Your child can talk few months later than the usual but that is still acceptable. You can conclude that your kid is simply not ready to talk yet. Some signs of speech delays are inability to respond immediately, say words correctly, and produce indistinct sounds even at a late age.

Also, if you notice that your kids always stutter, interchange words often, consult the doctors immediately. Some signs of speech delays are inability to respond immediately, say words correctly, and produce indistinct sounds even at a late age.

In case you worry if your kids are experiencing this, discuss with your doctor immediately. However, if you want to address the problem at home, you may encourage your kids to talk more often through these:

Recognize and accept it. Parents normally find it hard to accept that their kids have some problems. Of course it is very challenging emotionally. But this is the very first step to cure the dilemma, recognize it. If the parents are able to identify the problem, they have to accept it and eventually address it properly. You have to overcome the problem first before you help your kids with their speech delays.

Incorporate in daily activities. Because speech and language are one of the complex things that a child can learn, it is better to associate it with the daily activities. For instance, when you play, name things and toys. Repeat it over and over again until your kid tries to babble it. You should also practice talking to your kids often. Encourage everyone in the house to do the same because kids usually repeat what they hear. And even if they babble indistinct words or language at first, it will eventually help them practice speech.

Spend time with your kids. Singing, talking, and communicating with your kids often will help them develop speech more. Try to engage them in activities which involve speech like singing and talking. During their first months, let them hear music sweet to the ears. This will really help the child recognize sounds and in the end, imitate it. You can also read books to your kids even at an early age to help them grow in terms of speech. Theories also show that even at pregnancy stage, you can already talk with your kids. You can also do the same like reading books and singing while they are still inside your body.

Expose them. Letting your kids play with other children of their age can also boost their speech skills. So try to introduce them to some kids at an early age. It will also help them develop their interpersonal abilities.