How To Teach Kids The SHH Sound - Tips & Tricks From a Speech Therapist
Updated: Aug 25
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If your child is working on the SHH sound in speech therapy, you may be wondering how to help them at home. Here are some tips and tricks from a speech therapist at Better Speech that can make learning this sound easier for kids. Keep in mind that each child is different, so don't be afraid to try different things until you find what works best for your child.
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Saying the Shh sound may be difficult for children whose cheek and lip muscles are not yet developed.
Usually after the age of about 3, your child will be developing more cheek muscles to help them make more sophisticated speech sounds. The Shh sound is one of those sounds that requires some development of those facial muscles. Before your child knows how to do it, they may substitute the sound for the Shhh with another sound, or omit it altogether. Shhh is one of those s variants often seen in speech therapy. But you can help your child practice the movements.
Let us help your child produce the SH sound!
The key to making the Shh sound is the lip pucker.
There's a classic movie from 1944 called To Have and Have Not, where Lauren Bacall's character says that famous line:
"You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow"
Saying the Shh sound starts in the same way. The Shh sound is essentially a lip pucker:
Think about giving Mommy or Daddy a kiss. Besides being a loving gesture, you can start to train and develop the cheek muscles. This is good practice for other sounds as well.
Then, practice blowing the air forward through the kiss in a narrow stream. To test this, hold your hand in front of your child's face. You should be able to feel the airflow and determine that it's going forward in a narrow stream and not spread out to the sides.
Help your child practice words with the Shh sound.
Once you get the sounds fairly accurate, you can move on to words.
Keep in mind that the Shh sound appears in the beginning, middle and end of words.
For example, Ship has the Shh sound in front, eyelashes has it in the center and bush uses it at the end.
SHip
eyelaSHes
buSH
Determine which position is easier for your child to say. For some kids, the Shh sound is easier in the beginning of words and for some at the end of words. When you determine what is easier for your child, start with those words first. Then move on to words that use the Shh sound in different positions in the word.
Here are some examples to get you started:
Start Position Words | Middle Position Words | End Position Words |
Ship | Eyelashes | Bush |
Share | Cashew | Smash |
Shout | Dasher | Leash |
Shirt | Marshal | Trash |
Shelf | Fishing | Fish |
Shoe | Brushed | Brush |
Shin | Eggshell | Smush |
Help is available if your child needs to work on the Shh or other speech sounds.
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 my child be able to say the SH sound correctly?
Most children master the SH sound between ages 3.5 and 5. If your child is past their fifth birthday and still substituting another sound, such as S for SH, it is worth consulting a speech therapist. Early support can make a big difference and prevent habits from becoming harder to correct later on.
What is the easiest way to show a child where to put their tongue for the SH sound?
Tell your child to pull their tongue back slightly so the tip is not touching anything, then round and slightly push forward their lips, like they are kissing a fish. Using a mirror together is a great visual tool. Modeling the sound slowly and making it a playful game helps kids feel comfortable experimenting without pressure.
My child says S instead of SH every time. Is that normal?
Yes, substituting S for SH is one of the most common errors children make, and it is developmentally typical in younger kids. The two sounds feel very similar to little ones because both are made with the tongue near the front of the mouth. A speech therapist can pinpoint exactly what your child needs and give you targeted home practice activities.
How long does it usually take for a child to learn the SH sound with therapy?
Progress varies widely depending on the child's age, consistency of practice, and whether other sounds are also being targeted. Many children show noticeable improvement within a few weeks to a few months of regular practice. Short, frequent sessions of 5 to 10 minutes at home alongside professional guidance tend to produce the fastest results.
Where can I find a speech therapist who can help my child with the SH sound without a long wait?
Better Speech offers licensed, certified speech therapists who accept insurance and have no waitlists, so your child can start getting help quickly from the comfort of home. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for most speech sound goals, including the SH sound. A therapist will assess your child and create a personalized plan that you can also practice together at home.
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.
