Helping your Child with Speech Therapy at Home

One of the most common questions our speech-language pathologists are asked is “how can I help my child progress when you’re not here?” For these parents (as well as anyone wanting to help a child with their speech-language skills), we suggest using OWL: observe, wait and listen.

Observe: Sometimes it’s hard to know what your child is thinking! Take time to observe body language – actions, gestures and facial expressions – as tuning into these messages can help you learn a lot about what he/she is interested in and wants to tell you.

Wait: As you observe your child, remind yourself to also wait so you can fully understand what your child wants to tell you. Waiting gives your child time to start an interaction or respond to what you have said or done. Perhaps the most important thing to remember about waiting is to give your child enough time to understand that you expect them to send you a message (verbal or otherwise).

Listen: Listening means paying close attention to all of your child’s words and sounds. Try not to interrupt him/her, even if you have already figured out what they’re trying to tell you. When you listen to your child, you are also letting them know how important their communication is, which helps build confidence and self-esteem.