Your 5-Year-Old: Say what?

Say what?

Lisping, stuttering, and mispronouncing certain sounds are common speech issues for 5-year-olds. Most are absolutely normal for now and are usually outgrown over the next few years. If you have any concerns, it's a good idea to point out speech problems to your child's doctor. Most of these blips sort themselves out on their own, but sometimes speech therapy can help.

Your 5-year-old now
Some children still have trouble producing certain sounds. At this age, it's still considered normal to lisp or struggle with l, r, s, z, sh, and th sounds. It's part of the learning process for speech — these sounds tend to require the most complex muscle movements. Most kids outgrow lisping by age 7 or 8.

Stuttering isn't uncommon either. It usually happens because your child's mouth can't keep up with her quick brain, causing her to repeat words and sounds. When she's excited or tired, she may even have trouble spitting out the right words. Most kids outgrow stuttering between 5 and 6.

Reinforce language skills by talking with your child and reading to her often. Don't try to finish her sentences or rush her. You don't want to make her any more frustrated than she already is. Don't ridicule or mimic "cute" mispronunciations. Continue to model proper speech.

Your life now
If you keep art supplies organized and accessible, your child will be more apt to use them. Open shelving makes supplies easier to reach. Keep crayons, pencils, paper, washable markers, glue sticks, and clay on low shelves where they'll be easy to get at. Invest in some simple plastic storage containers (old diaper-wipes boxes work, too) so you can sort like objects. Label each container with an index card taped to the lid that displays the name and a picture of its contents. Store things that require supervision — like scissors, glitter, and permanent glue — out of reach in a closed box.