Helping Your Child Master The /s/ Sound 

By the age of six, children should be proficient in pronouncing words with the /s/ and /z/ sounds. If your child struggles with the /s/ sound, they might have what is known as a lateral lisp. This issue can also affect their ability to produce /z/ sounds. A lateral lisp often makes speech sound slushy, as if the child has too much saliva in their mouth. If your child is experiencing this, here are some practical tips to help them improve. 

Identifying The Issue

Isolate the Problem 

Speech problems vary greatly, so it’s crucial to identify the specific issue your child is facing. They might be unable to produce the /s/ sound at all, only manage it in isolation, or produce it incorrectly in conversation with a frontal or lateral distortion. 

Practical Exercises to Improve the /s/ Sound

Practice the /t/ Sound First 

If your child struggles to produce the /s/ sound entirely, start with the /t/ sound. Both sounds are made similarly inside the mouth, by touching the bumpy spot just behind the top front teeth. The key difference is that the /t/ sound is a short burst of air, while the /s/ sound involves a continuous stream of air. 

Name the Sound 

For children who can say the /s/ sound in isolation but not in conversation, giving the sound a name can be helpful. If they are too young to read, associating the sound with a letter might be challenging. Instead, call it “the hissing sound” or “the snake sound.” Use this name to remind your child to produce the /s/ sound correctly. 

Use a Straw 

If your child’s /s/ sound is distorted in conversation, using a straw can help them understand where the air should be directed. A lateral distortion means air flows out of the sides of their mouth. Properly produced, the /s/ sound should come from the center. Listening to the difference can help your child make the necessary adjustments. 

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child continues to struggle with the /s/ sound despite your efforts, it might be time to consult a speech-language pathologist. A professional can quickly diagnose the issue and provide targeted exercises and strategies. They can offer a wealth of knowledge and techniques to make learning fun and effective for your child.

Why Choose TeleSesh for Online Speech Therapy

At TeleSesh, we specialize in providing personalized online speech therapy sessions tailored to your child’s needs. Our certified speech-language pathologists are experts in helping children overcome speech challenges like lateral lisps. With our virtual therapy services, your child can receive professional guidance and support from the comfort of your home.

Helping your child master the /s/ sound can be a rewarding process. By isolating the problem, practicing with the /t/ sound, using memorable names, and incorporating tools like straws, you can support your child’s progress effectively. Patience and encouragement are key. If you need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional speech therapist.

If you’re looking for expert guidance, contact TeleSesh for a free consultation. Our dedicated team of speech-language pathologists is ready to help your child achieve clear and confident speech. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards improving your child’s speech skills with TeleSesh. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips and tricks!