We all know that to learn a new skill or change a habit, we need to practice consistently. This takes more thought and effort at the beginning, then reduces over time as we acquire the skill and it starts to become just how we do things now.

Speech is a skill that needs to be learned, or a habit/way of doing things that needs to be shifted. Just like any new skill or habit, we must put the time, effort and consistent practice in to make the shift and get the results we desire.

To do this, we must first get our child's buy-in. Have a discussion with your child about practice, what it is, why we need it and how it works. Talk about how we need to practice consistently to get results. We can't just practice one time and expect the new skill to be complete. Little and often tends to yield the best results. Progress can often be slow and incremental.

Try talking to your child about practice using an analogy such as learning a new speech skill being like building muscles. We can't expect to lift weights one time and have rippling muscles! We need to lift weights regularly. Over time, we can add more weight and watch our strength and muscles grow.

To get regular practice happening, we must add it to our routine. The easiest way I've found to make this happen is to hook it onto something that is already happening daily. Could you practice just before or after brushing teeth? Just before or after eating breakfast? On the walk or drive home from school? When you are sitting down to do school homework tasks? Just before or after dinner?

In saying that, we aren't robots! Everyone has fluctuating capacity on a daily, and hourly basis. Some days, your child will be more tired or reluctant than others. You may need to reduce demands to be responsive to your child's needs on the day or in that moment.

In these instances, make practice times shorter or take turns, e.g. they say a practice word and then you say a practice word. Let them choose an activity that is motivating to them. Try practicing while playing a board game or similar. Finish on something your child did well, or praise your child for a success or persevering, so your child remembers this for next time.

Raise your energy levels as a way of raising theirs. Be the excited, energetic parent who just can't wait to do the speech practice activities with your child! "Let's try this activity! No? OK, how about this one? This looks fun."

Try and keep practice fun and light. Try not to get into arguments, bargaining or threats. We want speech practice to be motivating, not a punishment.

If your child is particularly tired, consider skipping that day as a one-off, but don’t let it derail your momentum. Commit to resuming practice the very next day, so that not practicing doesn't become your new routine!

I know you can make this work for you and your child. If you'd like this information in a handout to remind you, you can access it here. 

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