Motivation

Motivation is super important for kids’ speech development because it gets them excited to talk and try new words. When they’re encouraged, they feel more confident and want to practice more, which helps them improve faster. Plus, a little positive support goes a long way in keeping them motivated and having fun with learning to speak!

Empowerment Through Art: Coloring Pages

Illustrated by Amber Kassis

How to Motivate Your Child to Learn

Emotional support for children dealing with speech difficulties is crucial in helping them feel confident and supported. Here are some effective ways to offer your help:

Acknowledge Their Feelings

Remind the child that it is okay to feel impatient, anxious, or upset about their speech difficulties. They have a right to be frustrated and validating their emotions helps them feel understood.

Foster a Positive Environment

Create a calm, supportive atmosphere where the child feels safe to try new things without fear of judgement. Celebrate their efforts and progress, not just the outcomes. Praise perseverance and hard work.

Use Encouraging Language

Use positive reinforcement and encouraging phrases like, "You're doing amazing!" or "I'm so proud of how hard you're trying". This helps build their self-esteem and keeps them motivated.

Normalize the Experience

Foster understanding that speech challenges are very common and so many different people deal with them. Share stories of famous individuals who have overcome or still deal with speech issues such as Marilyn Monroe or Tiger Woods (Share both icons' journey with stuttering).

Present their Progress and Achievements

Help keep the child on track with their progress and show them how much they have accomplished. Set small and achievable goals with them. Select activities they enjoy, which empowers them to take ownership of their improvement.

Encourage Social Interaction

Encourage playdates or group activities in a supportive, non-judgemental environment that focuses on communication, allowing them to practice speech naturally while building confidence.

Be a Good Listener

Sometimes, the best emotional support comes from simply listening. be patient and let the child express their frustrations or fears, and provide comfort without interrupting or trying to "fix" the situation immediately.