As parents, it’s natural to want to help your child say words the right way. You might feel the urge to say, “No, not ‘wabbit’ — it’s rabbit!” But what if we told you there’s a gentler and more effective way to help your child learn how to talk clearly?
That way is called modeling — and it’s a powerful tool that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use every day.
What Is Modeling?
Modeling means showing your child the correct way to say a word without asking them to repeat it or pointing out that they were wrong. You’re giving them a clear, correct example — and that’s often all they need!
Example:
- Your child says: “Look! A wabbit!”
- You respond: “Yes! I see the rabbit. The rabbit is hopping!”
You’re not correcting. You’re modeling. And that’s enough.
Why Not Just Correct Them?
Correcting can sometimes:
- Make your child feel self-conscious
- Discourage them from trying to speak
- Turn speech into a stressful experience instead of a joyful one
Children learn best when they feel safe, encouraged, and heard. Modeling creates a positive language environment where they can learn at their own pace.
How to Model in Real Life
Here are some easy ways to work modeling into your daily routines:
- During play: If your child says “tat” instead of “cat,” respond with, “Yes, the cat is soft. Let’s pet the cat.”
- At meals: If they ask for “bana,” you can say, “Sure! You want a banana! Here’s your banana.”
- Reading books: Gently repeat any mispronounced words the correct way as you read or talk about the pictures.
Remember: Repetition Is Key
Kids need to hear words many, many times before they can say them correctly. Every time you model the right way, you’re helping build those speech and language connections in their brain — even if it doesn’t show up right away.
Encouragement Over Perfection
Celebrate your child’s efforts, not just their accuracy. When they feel supported and confident, they’re more likely to take risks and grow their skills.
