Children with speech delays may suffer from self-confidence or self-esteem issues. Speech delays may lead parents to believe things like:
· My child is just shy
· My child takes a while to warm up to people
· My child isn’t very talkative
· My child prefers to play alone
In fact, some behaviors that seem like preferences may be caused by a lack of confidence due to speech delays. Consequently, behavior, learning abilities, and relationships may be affected to varying degrees.
Unfortunately, some researchers suggest that children with speech delays may be more vulnerable to experiences like bullying or isolation.
Fortunately, parents, teachers, and caregivers can take steps to nurture confidence and alleviate frustrations.
Here are some ways you can help a child with a speech delay become more confident.
Address the root problem.
By tackling a speech delay head-on, with the help of a good therapist, a child will begin to feel more confident about his or her speech. Also, your child may want to discuss with a therapist what he/she is uncomfortable discussing with you. A good speech therapist understands the challenges of living with a speech delay and can offer children sensitivity and responsiveness based on years of experience.
Teach goal-setting to boost confidence.
Your child may not yet feel confident speaking. So it’s important to foster confidence in other areas. Children can tackle difficult projects, tough physical challenges, or intellectual problems. The important thing is that the challenge is difficult enough to inspire a feeling of confidence when it’s completed.
Facilitate connections with peers who share speech disorders.
If your child is the sole individual in their class with a speech delay, they may already feel the burden of being different. Introducing them to other children facing similar challenges can alleviate this sense of isolation.
All 4 Therapy LLC routinely offers play group therapy. Contact us to see if we have availability for your child to join a play group with peers who have speech challenges. Belonging to a supportive group not only offers comfort but can also provide valuable resources for speech therapy techniques.
Cut back on excessive praise.
Believe it or not, praise that’s meant to make a child feel good can backfire. Truth, it turns out, is often the right way to build a child’s confidence.
Children are clever. They know when they’ve worked hard and done something awesome, and they know when they have just coasted. Parents who heap praise on accomplishments that come easy will lose a child’s trust that their parent is being truthful.
Instead of saying “good job,” try using descriptive words to describe what the child has done. And “save” words like “wow that was incredible” for true accomplishments.
Do good together.
Involving your child in tasks that make others feel good is one of the BEST ways to boost confidence. Children who feel that they make meaningful contributions to their neighborhood – or the world – are children who have an avenue to find their own self-confidence.
Consider baking cookies for neighbors, writing letters to loved ones, or making crafts to give to friends at school.
Listen closely…to how YOU communicate.
Not all communication is verbal. Parents convey a great deal to their children with their body language and their own behavior. Maintain eye contact when your children speak to you, avoid completing their sentences, and allow them ample time to express themselves.
Emphasize exercise, healthy eating, and proper sleep.
Here at All 4 Therapy in Haskell, NJ, we take a “whole-child” approach to speech delays. And we encourage parents to do the same.
All parts of health work together. That means, good sleep and good food contribute to the mental fortitude that it takes to tackle a speech delay. Children need a variety of physical and intellectual challenges, as well as love and support, to find their own confidence.
Look for opportunities for self-esteem development.
Sometimes, there’s great relief in thinking less about feelings of self-consciousness and more about the task at hand. Consider enrolling your child in a hobby that takes their mind off a speech delay and let’s them explore an interest they can feel confident about.
Remember: Building Confidence Takes Time
If a child is self-conscious about speech, they may be more self-conscious in general. But there is hope. A speech therapists will create a plan that will improve your child’s speech. And you as a parent can implement the strategies that can boost their overall confidence. Together, you’ll be able to work together to create a real difference in their quality of life.
Reach out to All 4 Therapy LLC today to schedule a complimentary phone consultation to determine if your child would be a good fit for potential speech therapy services.
We offer playgroups for speech and language therapy in our Haskell, New Jersey, office.
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