Ahh….communicating with kids. Little ones. It can be a challenge, can’t it? I realized just this morning that I really don’t have “toddlers” any more. I feel kind of like a person peering around the edge of a corner to a whole new world, tentatively stepping forward, knowing there is NO going back. It’s scary and amazing.
I’m *this* close to having a houseful of potty independent people. (Fist bump, please. And prayers for the last little hurdle we’re having to complete freedom in this area.)
Some days, getting your little ones to listen requires exhausting effort. I hate to tell you, but I don’t think this really improves. The only thing that does change is when they’re older you KNOW they understand what you’re telling them, they’re just not doing it.
Other times, understanding them is the problem.
For some of us, it’s made more difficult by the fact our kids have some speech problems.
My oldest child began speaking in sentences. Clearly. (She gets that from her mom.)
My son? Not so much.
Oh, he had an EXTENSIVE vocabulary for a three year old. He could tell you the scientific names of almost any dinosaur, but he could not pronounce L or R or a number of other letters properly.
I didn’t know if it was his age or a problem because I was concerned about comparing him to his sister who had been really advanced for her age in that area.
So do you know what I did?
I asked for help. I asked an aunt who is a speech pathologist how to tell.
And, then, based on what she said, I took him for speech assessment. He’s been in speech class for almost a year now, and it has been a wonderful thing for him. He loves to go, and his speech is so much clearer now. We’re still working on problem areas, but I’m so glad we were proactive in seeking help.
Which brings me to my twins…..
One speaks very clearly. The other…not so much.
Ok…not much at all.
So, we’re beginning our speech class path with her. I am also going to have her sister assessed as well because, again, I don’t want to miss something because of comparison. Just because she speaks more clearly than her sister doesn’t mean there aren’t areas that need improvement.
So, knowing that I’m probably not the only one who might need resources for addressing kids’ speech problems, I thought I’d give you a few tips that might help you help your kids.
Tips & Resources for Kids Who Might Need Speech Therapy
- First, even if you homeschool, your school district might still provide speech services to you. Our school district assessed my son’s speech and is providing speech classes for him once a week. They’ve been a huge help! (Of course, I only know how things work here in Mississippi, but even if you lives somewhere else, start with your school district. They can probably point you in the right direction!)
- Second, I have a friend who is a speech pathologist, and she has a great website full of tips and tools for “Talking with Toddlers.” Rebecca and I roomed together at our sorority house at Ole Miss, and she is so smart and kind. Even then, she had a passion for speech pathology. She’s a Mississippi mom with a mission, y’all! Visit her site and sign up to receive a free kit, then follow her blog for fun and helpful ideas!
- Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t think for a moment that a speech problem is indicative of lower intelligence or ability (or poor parenting!). My son is so smart. He loves science and numbers and is learning to read. Now, he’s just becoming better able to communicate all of the big ideas he has. It’s a blessing to him…and me.