Improving Child's Speech Skills at Home - Podcast
Updated: Aug 25
In this article we will discuss:
Do you have concerns about how your child's speech and language skills are developing? Join Better Speech on the new episode of The School Psych Corner Podcast, where we discuss what parents can do at home to support their child's growth.
Listen to the podcast using one of the players below:
Episode highlights
What kind of things parents could do at home to help their children communicate?
1. Keep talking to your children: what you're doing is you're narrating their life, and you're explaining this entire world. Children have no idea what socks are, what love is, or what a fork is. As you're constantly talking to them, and you're giving them tons of information.
We're designed to understand language, and we need to make sure that language is going in to the child's mind so that they understand how to use it.
2. Offer children the opportunity to talk or an opportunity to make a decision. All day long children are told where to go and what to do and as you're doing it, you're offering them an opportunity to express themselves to literally make that choice.
It is important to ensure that your younger children have the opportunity to talk because sometimes the older ones like to be in charge too, and they'll unintentionally talk for them and then we'll start to see the younger ones not talking because they didn't have to talk.
Does your child struggle with speech and social skills?
3. Encourage your children (teens) to practice social skills. If you go to a store, tell them to go ask an associate a question, or ask them to call and order a pizza.
If talking in class makes teenagers uncomfortable, practice at home. Read whatever story it is, and see if your child can tell you what the story is: practice that story flow, practice presenting, practice being able to manage your thoughts and execute them effectively to somebody who's listening so that the listener can understand the story, or practice even telling jokes. Practice the delivery and the timing of that, because it's so important to be able to communicate.
Children don't develop the language overnight: it's a process and you have to be patient and check that you're not pushing things or expecting things that are kind of unreasonable.
4. Parents can also use Practice Library to help their children's language development and practice skills that they're currently working on.
If you have any concerns about your child's speech delay or social skills, reach out to a professional. At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I start working on my child's speech skills at home?
You can start supporting speech development from birth through talking, singing, and reading aloud. Most parents notice meaningful progress when they begin intentional practice between ages 2 and 4, though every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns at any age, consulting a speech-language pathologist early is always the right move.
What are simple daily activities I can do to help my child speak more clearly?
Narrate your daily routines out loud, ask open-ended questions during meals, and read picture books together while encouraging your child to describe what they see. Short, consistent practice sessions of 10 to 15 minutes are more effective than longer, infrequent ones. Making these activities feel like play keeps children engaged and motivated.
How do I know if my child needs professional speech therapy or if home practice is enough?
If your child is difficult for strangers to understand past age 3, struggles to follow simple directions, or avoids talking altogether, a professional evaluation is a smart next step. Home practice is a wonderful supplement but cannot replace a licensed speech-language pathologist when a real delay is present. Trust your instincts as a parent and seek an assessment when something feels off.
Does Better Speech offer online therapy options so we do not have to wait for an in-person appointment?
Yes! Better Speech provides convenient online speech therapy with licensed speech-language pathologists, and there are no waitlists so your child can get started quickly. Sessions are also insurance-ready, making quality care accessible for many families. You can complete the entire process from the comfort of your home, which works especially well for busy schedules.
How can a podcast actually help me improve my child's speech skills at home?
A podcast gives you expert strategies you can listen to during commutes, nap times, or any spare moment without sitting down to read. Hearing real examples and professional advice helps you feel confident implementing techniques on your own. Pairing podcast learning with consistent at-home practice is one of the most practical ways to support your child between therapy sessions.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
