You need not be concerned if your 14 month old does
not say his words clearly (if he is saying any words
at all). Most speech sounds are difficult to make, especially
those that involve complex coordination of the tongue,
lips, nose, teeth and larynx. Sounds like sh, spa, spra,
ch and th are frequently mispronounced even by 3 year
olds. A toddler frequently substitutes a simpler sound
for one more difficult: that becomes dat, pretty is
pronounced pitty and the like.
A toddler has problems with sounds at the middle
and end of some words:
• you may hear basik for basket, baw for ball and docket
for doctor just to name a few. One way to aid your toddler
is by making sure you yourself are pronouncing words
correctly and completely.
• There are times when understanding your toddler can
be quite a task, more so when you are not in a positive
frame of mind.
• Your inability to decipher him in turn enrages him.
• Remember that he is trying his best and he may be just
as frustrated as you are by his inability to pronounce
correctly.
• Pay close attention to what he is trying to say and
every signal he is making by staying collected.
• Apologize briefly for your lack of comprehension
if it can ease the situation.
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