Helping Your Child Master the /th/ Sound: Tips from a Professional 

The /th/ sound is a challenging but important sound for children to master. It appears in many common words and is crucial for clear speech and effective communication. As a professional speech therapist, I’ve worked with many children to help them perfect this sound. Here are some practical tips and tricks to support your child’s progress at home. 

Understanding the /th/ Sound 

The /th/ sound can be voiced (as in “this”) or voiceless (as in “think”). It’s produced by placing the tongue between the upper and lower teeth and blowing air through it. This can be tricky for children to grasp and produce accurately. However, with patience and practice, your child can master it. 

Tips and Tricks to Help Your Child with the /th/ Sound 

1. Model the Sound Clearly 

Start by modeling the /th/ sound clearly for your child. Show them how to place their tongue between their teeth and blow air gently. Repeat this several times and encourage them to watch your mouth closely. 

2. Use a Mirror 

Using a mirror can be very helpful. Have your child practice the /th/ sound in front of a mirror so they can see their tongue position and mouth movement. This visual feedback can help them understand how to produce the sound correctly. 

3. Start with Isolation 

Begin by practicing the /th/ sound in isolation. Have your child say the sound by itself repeatedly. Once they can produce the sound correctly, move on to simple syllables like “th-a” and “th-e”. 

4. Practice with Words 

After your child can produce the /th/ sound in isolation and simple syllables, start practicing it in words. Use common words like “this,” “that,” “think,” and “thank.” Encourage your child to say these words slowly and clearly, focusing on the correct tongue placement. 

5. Use Fun Activities 

Incorporate fun activities to keep your child engaged. Try reading books that contain lots of /th/ sounds, or play games where they have to say words with /th/ in them. Positive reinforcement and making practice enjoyable can significantly boost their progress. 

6. Correcting Mistakes Gently 

If your child makes a mistake, correct them gently. Repeat the word with the correct /th/ sound, and ask them to try again. Patience and encouragement are key to helping them improve. 

7. Seek Professional Help if Needed 

If your child continues to struggle with the /th/ sound despite your efforts, consider seeking help from a professional speech therapist. A speech-language pathologist can provide targeted exercises and strategies tailored to your child’s needs. 

Why Choose TeleSesh for Online Speech Therapy 

At TeleSesh, we offer personalized online speech therapy sessions designed to fit your busy schedule. Our certified speech-language pathologists are experts in helping children master difficult sounds like /th/. With our virtual therapy services, your child can receive professional guidance and support from the comfort of your home. 

Helping your child master the /th/ sound can be a rewarding journey. By modeling the sound, using mirrors, practicing with words, and incorporating fun activities, you can support your child’s progress effectively. Remember, patience and gentle correction are crucial. 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 daily tips!