Every child has a unique way of communicating, and all forms of communication are valid and meaningful. If your child is working on speech goals, you may have been encouraged to practice at home—but how can you support their communication journey in a way that builds confidence and respects their individual strengths?
The key is planting the seed of intrinsic motivation, nurturing their natural curiosity, and creating a safe, affirming space where they feel valued and empowered.
Celebrate Communication in All Forms
Communication is more than just spoken words. In fact, we are ALL multimodal communicators. It includes gestures, facial expressions, body language, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), writing, and more. Rather than focusing on what needs “fixing,” recognize and celebrate the ways your child already communicates:
- “I love how you showed me what you meant!”
- “That was such a creative way to describe that!”
- “Your device helps you express yourself so clearly—I love hearing your ideas!”
By affirming their natural communication style, you help them build confidence in expressing themselves in the way that works best for them.
Connect Speech Goals to Their Interests
Children are most engaged when they’re doing something they love. Instead of structured drills that may feel disconnected, integrate speech goals into everyday moments and favorite activities:
- If they love animals, talk about their favorite ones or make animal sounds together.
- If they enjoy video games, have them narrate gameplay or create dialogue for characters.
- If they like drawing, encourage them to tell a story about their artwork.
When communication is tied to personal interests, motivation grows naturally.
Focus on Growth, Not Perfection
Just like a seed takes time to sprout, communication skills develop over time. Instead of emphasizing “correct” speech, celebrate effort, creativity, and persistence:
- Instead of “Say it again the right way,” try “That was a great try! I can tell that you’re thinking about your speech strategies when you said that”
- Instead of “Try harder,” say “Take your time. I love hearing what you have to share.”
By reinforcing progress rather than pressure, you help build self-confidence and intrinsic motivation.
Give Them Autonomy in the Process
A plant grows best when it finds its own way toward the sunlight. Similarly, children engage more when they have control over their learning. Let them take the lead by offering choices:
- “Do you want to practice during our walk outside or while playing with your toys?”
- “Would you like to use your talker, write it down, or say it out loud?”
Honoring their preferences helps them feel empowered and respected in their communication journey. And remember, ALL forms of communication are meaningful and valid!
Keep It Playful and Low-Pressure
If speech practice feels stressful, motivation can fade. Instead, incorporate speech goals into joyful and engaging activities:
- Imaginative Play: Pretend to be characters and create silly dialogues.
- Music & Movement: Sing songs with target sounds or create rhythmic speech patterns.
- Storytelling: Make up stories together or act them out with toys.
When communication feels like play, children engage more naturally and build skills in a way that feels fun, not forced. When utilizing strategies in a motivating way, the practiced skills will be more salient and promote greater independence in the future.
Validate Their Experience
All learning comes with challenges, and it’s okay if your child feels frustrated sometimes. Validate their feelings and model self-compassion:
- “I know practicing can feel tough. I’m proud of you for trying.”
- “Communication isn’t always easy for me either! We all learn at our own pace.”
By creating a space where mistakes are part of growth, you help build resilience and self-trust.
Watch the Growth: Communication Blooms in a Supportive Environment
Intrinsic motivation doesn’t come from corrections or external rewards—it thrives when a child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to express themselves in their own way. By planting the seed of confidence, nurturing their strengths, and allowing them to take the lead, you create an environment where communication can flourish naturally.
And just like a gardener celebrating each new sprout, take time to honor your child’s progress—because every step forward, no matter how small, is a meaningful achievement.