Now that my daughter will be 3, she'll be starting some enrichment classes. Swimming, art, soccer, etc. She is behind with speech so seldom talks, and it's nothing strangers will understand. At 3 they would expect communication. How do I, as a parent, make this known to the teachers without labeling her? Other kids would be a whole other issue (though at this age maybe not super relevant). Certainly the teachers need to know her way of communicating bathroom needs.
I don't want to take the approach of her brother, who once said, "Hi, this is my sister and she doesn't talk too good." How embarrassing! Update: Not for ME, for her. The whole idea is I don't want her to feel bad about herself for being behind. She understands everything and will do fine in lots of activities. She's in plenty now, but more open up when she is 3. The swimming, sports, etc. are recommended for her because she also goes to OT for low muscle strength. She has been diagnosed and is getting help.
I always say, "Hi, this is my son. He's 4, but he has a speech delay so please try to use lots of physical cues with him so he'll know what you're asking. If he ... then he needs to go potty. Any questions for me?"
Direct and matter-of-fact. If I don't make a big deal out of it then he won't get embarrassed, but I need to let people know so that his needs are being met.
Lots of kids have speech delays, it is nothing to be embarrassed about at all. Just be honest with them and explain to them her bathroom ques so they are in the no. No one will judge you or her.
If she is not speaking well at age 3 then there could be a problem. (Not saying there is). My mother-in-law is a speech therapist so I know a little bit. If it were me I would try and go see a speech therapist. Talk to your doctor for reccomendations.
I think your son's approach is just fine : ) Honest, direct, to the point. I think a simple "my daughter doesn't speak often or very clearly so do your best! Here's how she'll let you know she needs to go to the bathroom, is hungry, etc" If you don't make a big deal out of it, neither will anyone else.
You will just have to be honest with them. " My daughter has delayed speech, when she says or does this.. it means this... " That's all you can do. These are people that are used to working with children and have probably been exposed to it before, your daughter isnt the only one in the world so don't worry about it too much... it will all be fine.
Since you have noted that she has been diagnosed and is getting help, I agree that the direct approach is best, though out of earshot of your little girl. My son is dyspraxic and we have dealt with the same issues.Receptive language is fine, low muscle control due to the motor planning delays, but fine with taking direction. The enrichment classes helped a lot, as did preschool since he was around peers of all diferent ranges of ability. I am a preschool teacher, and whenever there is a child with any sort of issue, it is best to know about it so we can work WITH parents. A good instructor/teacher will not label your daughter, but do thier best to help her and keep you informed of progress, successes and concerns. Besto f luck to you!
Just let them know she has a speech delay. It's not hard and they will understand, I promise!
Mom, I am concerned for your daughter. You did not say she is a child with special needs, so I assume she is not. Have you talked to your Pediatrician and had her tested to see why there is a speech delay? Does she only not talk to anyone outside of family? I think you are doing her a disservice to her sign her up for all of these "enrichment" activities where it is important that she communicate and be able to respond to instructors, especially swimming . Swim lessons could be a danger to her if she doesnt understand the instructions and doesnt let the swim instructor know unless you are there with her the entire time. I would start her on one thing 1st and stick with it for a while and be with her the entire time and see how it goes. Later on you can add things so she is not too stressed since she talks so little. I don't see why what your son said about his sister is so embarassing, it was honest and truthful. As a mom you should not be so concerned about what people think and more concerned about getting your little girl the help she needs, she could have a hearing issue too that is causing the delay in speech. I would just tell the class instructor that your daughter is speech delayed until she is diagnosed, you dont need to give an explanation to others unless they inquire which I think is pretty rude to ask. Good luck to her.
well why don't you have your child either go play so she doesn't hear you talk to the teacher or pre call before taking her to talk ot the teacher or pull the teacher to the side and explain to him or her your concerns and how you don't want her labeled but these are her ways to know these certain things
unless she shows concern i don't think theres an issue since your getting her help and shes having fun with it.
My now 10 year old went through the same thing. He started speech therapy and pre-primary at 2 1/2 years old. I think it's important to be open and honest with the teachers about the issues your daughter has and you don't need to have that conversation in front of your daughter. Plus, I'm sure her teachers have dealt with speech delays numerous times before so don't be embarrassed.
As far as your daughter communicating with the other kids don't worry. Kids will shock you with how understanding and accepting they will be with your daughter. Thankfully, my son never experienced anything negative from him classmates. It's interesting too because as my son made friends with his classmates they were able to communicate with him sometimes better than his teachers.
Regarding your son's comment when introducing your daughter, don't be embarrassed by that either. I think you should just smile that he's able to be open and honest.
Good luck!
I want to encourage you. When our son was four there were seven sounds he couldn't make. They worked with his speech until fourth grade. Today you could never tell he had a problem. Our grandson had the same problem. He is in second grade now and doing well. He was extremely shy and is starting to come out of that now. I don't think you need to lable your daughter. When she does speaks they will notice. Does she know any sign language? Our grandson learned some of that when they first started working with him. It was our Intermediate School system, now called Educational Service District that helped our son and grandson. Perhaps you have something through your schools also. Good Luck!
Please see a Speech Pathologist! If you don't want her labeled help her with this now so that she does not get labeled.
There are a lot of 3-year olds that may be a little bit more shy than their peers or don't ennunciate their words that well but they are not necessarily considered delayed. Your daughter's teachers may not notice that your daughter even has a speech delay for that very reason. And you may notice that once your daughter starts to take classes with a lot of other "typical peers," her language and ability to communicate will blossom. That was definitely the case with my son.
Considering that most of the classes that are geared to pre-k kids are usually only 30 minutes long, I would suggest taking her to the bathroom before you attend class so that becomes a non-issue once she is in class. But I do recall that all of the pre-k classes that were are offered at our local park and rec does require parent participation as well. Maybe it is the same with the classes that you are signing your daughter up for...
I have a son who is 5 and he does not like to talk to people of any age. So what I try to do in these situation is talk to the teacher in private and explain the situation to them without my son hearing. In my son case it is not that he can not talk his vocab is actually quite large for his age he just has an anxiety of talking with people outside of his home once he gets to know someone he warms up. Just so you know his friends don't mind. In fact I meet one of his classmates the other day when my son was not around and he said I know Owen he does not talk. I just had to laugh. This child has made it his quest to get my son to warm up in school so don't be worried kids are very resit lent.
why explain it all kids talk at diffrent times. my 2 1/2 yr old doenst talk much but I dont explain it other than he has tubes they take time to work.
I assume she may be receiving speech therapy services (and you mentioned OT services); ask your therapists how to approach the teachers/coaches.
By the way, my daughter was an early talker, but when she went to 3 year old preschool she was initially quiet/observant, and I actually had a mom ask me if she could talk. There is more "action" than verbal interaction in preschool. And it sounds like you are putting your daughter in classes/activities rather than preschool; so unless I am mistaken you may be right there.
By the way, I am a speech pathologist who does work with birth to three years. If you are going to be there with her, unlike preschool, you will be the one assisting her to the bathroom. Share what is necessary with the coach/instructor, but there may be no need to go into detail unless a particular situation presents itself.
