As a parent, it’s only natural to want to help your child speak clearly and confidently. But when children are still learning how to produce sounds or use language properly, even the most well-meaning corrections can sometimes backfire. In speech therapy, we often see patterns in how parents try to help — and while the intention is always good, certain habits can unintentionally slow down progress or create frustration. The good news? With a few small shifts, you can support your child’s communication development more effectively — and with less stress for both of you.

 

Here are the top 3 common mistakes parents make when correcting their child’s speech — and what to do instead.

 

• Mistake #1: Interrupting or Correcting Too Often

When a child mispronounces a word, it can be tempting to jump in and correct it immediately. However, frequent interruptions can make kids self-conscious or frustrated. They may start to avoid speaking altogether if they feel they’re being corrected constantly. EG: ( “No, it’s not ‘wed’ — say ‘red’!”)

 

✅ What to do instead: Model the correct pronunciation without pressure.

Child: “I see a wed car!”
Parent: “Yes! A red car — it’s going so fast!”

 

• Mistake #2: Asking Them to Repeat the Word the “Right Way”

This seems like a reasonable request — but depending on your child’s age or speech difficulty, they might not yet have the skills to make the correct sound. Asking them to repeat a word they can’t physically say correctly can lead to frustration and lower self-confidence. EG : (“Can you say it again, but the right way this time?”)

 

✅ What to do instead: Focus on exposure and confidence-building.

Keep the conversation flowing. Continue reading together, playing, or exploring language through songs and games. Give them the repetition they need through hearing, not forcing them to say it again until they’re ready.

 

Mistake #3: Comparing to Other Children

It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap — especially when other kids seem to be speaking more clearly or using more advanced vocabulary. But comparing can make your child feel “less than,” and can undermine their motivation to communicate. Eg: “Your cousin could say that word at your age.”

 

✅ What to do instead: Celebrate progress, not perfection.

Focus on what your child can do — even small wins matter. Did they try a new word? Did they initiate a conversation? Did they correct themselves without being prompted? Acknowledge those moments.

Use phrases like:

• “I love how you’re trying new words today!”
• “Wow, that was a big word — great job!”

Correcting speech isn’t about pointing out mistakes — it’s about creating a language-rich environment where your child feels safe, heard, and encouraged. With a few small changes to how you respond, you can make a big difference in your child’s speech and language development.

 

NEETHU ANNA CHACKO

Speech Language Therapist