If your child is just starting Cleveland speech therapy, it’s natural to wonder how to approach the topic in a way that is both reassuring and positive. Explaining what speech therapy is to your child in an age-appropriate manner can set the stage for a successful and cooperative experience.

Here, our speech therapists have some tips on how you might open the talk to your child about speech therapy – ensuring they feel supported, understood and comfortable with the process.

1. Understand the Basics Yourself

Before you can explain speech therapy to your child, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what it’s going to involve. Part of that means knowing why your child is there because that will have an impact on what sessions look from day-to-day or week-to-week. If you aren’t 100% sure, be sure to ask your child’s speech therapists so you can better explain it to your child.

For young children, we describe a lot of our sessions as “play.” Because that’s what we lean heavily on, as that’s how kids often learn best. You can tell them it will be FUN!

In general, we can say that speech therapy is designed to help children improve their communication skills, whether they’re working on pronunciation, language comprehension, or social communication. The goal is to help your child express themselves more effectively and confidently.

When you have a solid grasp of what your child’s session will entail, you’ll be better equipped to answer your child’s questions and address any concerns they may have.

2. Use Simple, Positive Language

It’s a good idea to use language that is both simple and positive. Again, focus on the fun aspects of therapy. For example:

• For Younger Children: “You know how sometimes it’s hard to say certain words? We’re going to play some special games with a teacher who will help you make those words easier to say. It’s going to be fun!”
• For Older Children: “We’re going to meet with someone who will help you with your speech. They know lots of cool ways to practice talking, and they’ll help you get better at saying what you want to say.”

Avoid using terms that might make your child feel like something is wrong with them. Instead, frame therapy as a positive opportunity to learn and grow.

3. Normalize the Experience

Children often take cues from their parents. So the way you present speech therapy can greatly influence how your child perceives it. Normalize the experience by comparing it to other learning activities they’re familiar with.

You might say:

• “Just like you have a teacher who helps you learn to read or do math, you’ll have a special teacher to help you with talking.”
• “Lots of kids have a speech teacher who helps them. It’s just like having a coach for a sport or a piano teacher for music.”

This approach helps your child see speech therapy as a normal part of learning and growing, rather than something unusual or scary.

4. Be Honest, But Reassuring

It’s important to be honest with your child about why they’re going to speech therapy, but also to reassure them that it’s nothing to worry about. For instance:

• “Sometimes our brains need a little extra help to learn certain things, and that’s okay. The speech teacher knows just how to help you so that talking feels easier and more fun.”

Explain that everyone learns at their own pace and that speech therapy is just one way to get some extra help in an area where they might need it.

5. Address Their Feelings

Children might have a range of emotions about starting speech therapy, from curiosity to anxiety. Encourage your child to express how they feel and listen to their concerns without judgment. You might say:

• “How do you feel about meeting with the speech teacher? Is there anything you’re wondering about?”

If your child expresses worries or fears, acknowledge their feelings and offer reassurance. For example:

• “It’s okay to feel a little nervous about something new. But remember, the speech teacher is really nice and is there to help you. You’re going to do great!”

6. Highlight the Fun Aspects

Speech therapy isn’t just about work—it’s also about engaging in fun and interactive activities that make learning enjoyable. Emphasize this aspect when talking to your child:

• “You’ll get to play lots of games that help with talking. Sometimes you might use toys, cards, or even tablets. It’s going to be really fun!”

By focusing on the enjoyable parts of therapy, you can help your child feel more excited and less apprehensive about the process.

7. Set Positive Expectations

Help your child set positive expectations for speech therapy by discussing the goals in an encouraging way:

• “We’re going to work on some sounds together, and over time, you’ll see that saying those words gets easier. You’re going to get so good at it!”

Reinforce the idea that speech therapy is a journey with gradual progress, and celebrate small victories along the way.

8. Keep the Conversation Ongoing

Think of this as more than a one-time conversation. Keep the dialogue open. Check in with your child regularly to see how they’re feeling about their sessions. You might ask:

• “How was your time with the speech teacher today? What did you learn?” “What was something that made you smile?” “What was something that made you proud?”
• “Is there anything you liked or didn’t like about what you did today?”

By staying engaged and showing interest in their progress, you’ll help your child feel supported and motivated.

9. Involve Them in the Process

Where appropriate, involve your child in decisions related to their speech therapy. For instance, let them help choose some of the activities they’ll do at home or ask them what they’d like to work on. Our Cleveland speech therapists do this a lot because it gives the child a sense of control can make them feel more empowered and invested in their progress. It’s called child-led learning, and it’s really effective in engaging them – which means they’ll learn the lessons faster.

Conclusion

Talking to your child about speech therapy in a positive, age-appropriate way can set the stage for a successful and supportive experience. By using simple language, normalizing the process, addressing their feelings, and highlighting the fun aspects, you can help your child approach speech therapy with confidence and enthusiasm. Remember, your attitude and involvement play a crucial role in how your child perceives and engages with their therapy, so stay positive, patient, and encouraging throughout the journey.

Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – provides speech therapy to children in Akron, Cleveland, Brecksville-Broadview Heights and surrounding communities. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational counseling and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email.

Additional Resources:

Activities to Encourage Speech and Language Development, American Speech-Language Hearing Association

More Blog Entries:

Akron Speech Therapist Activity Recs for Speech & Language Development, July 9, 2024, Cleveland Speech Therapy Blog