Ask them to Repeat Words They Are Learning to Speak. Can you say…?

We are teaching our children how to speak when we introduce new words to them. Very simply say to them, “Can you say car?” They will repeat the word. This must be a continual thing throughout every day when they get to the age when they are speaking. It takes time, energy, effort, and focus.

When your child is speaking with clarity and pronouncing words that are not expected of them, it is because they have practiced. It is because you have done your job and asked them to repeat the words they are learning. If they do not pronounce it correctly, praise them for the attempt. If they are just learning to speak, chances are they will not get it right, but if you praise their effort they will eventually get it. 

As they get older, you can make corrections when it is age appropriate. Make it fun. When they say the word wrong do not correct them. Encourage them for saying it the way that they said it and laugh hysterically if it is not perfect. They will want to say it again and again and again. They made you happy!! They made you laugh. They will learn to say it correctly through hearing it multiple times, but if they are reprimanded or constantly corrected it is no longer fun.

Allow them to learn at their pace. They will rarely say the word correctly the first time. If it is the first time they are doing something, it should not be expected for them to do it right. What should be expected is that they continually attempt to say the word because it is fun to say the word. It makes mom and/or dad laugh. That is fun.