Written by: Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, Founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center
Originally Published: March 6, 2019 | Updated: August 31, 2026
Does your child get frustrated or shut down when you correct their speech or language? You’re not alone. There are simple ways to support speech and language practice at home without it turning into a source of frustration or self-doubt for either of you. Here are four tips to help.
Why Does Home Practice Matter?
Home practice is a key part of helping your child carry the skills they’re learning in speech and language therapy over into their everyday life. According to ASHA’s guidance on speech sound disorders, generalizing new skills beyond the therapy room is an essential part of treatment. Consistent practice in real-life settings helps make new speech and language patterns stick. That said, kids can genuinely struggle to follow through with practice at home, and it’s worth understanding why.
Why Do Kids Get Frustrated When We Correct Them?
Kids can become embarrassed or frustrated when family members correct their speech and language throughout the day. This is especially true if it starts to feel like they’re constantly hearing what they’re doing wrong. That feeling of being reminded of a challenge over and over can chip away at a child’s confidence and motivation. Nobody wants a child to lose self-confidence over practice meant to help them, so here’s how to support their progress while limiting frustration and self-doubt.
4 Tips to Reduce Frustration During Speech and Language Practice at Home
1. Pick a specific time of day to listen for errors. Instead of correcting your child every time you notice an error throughout the entire day, choose one dedicated time to focus on the specific skill they’re working on. This could be during mealtime, in the car, or during after-school playtime.
2. Make the expectation clear. Tell your child exactly what you’ll be listening for, whether that’s their speech sounds, grammar, or reading accuracy, and for how long. A visual timer can help your child understand exactly when practice starts and stops. Let your child know this is the time you’re helping them practice for their sessions at Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. Older kids may find extra motivation in hearing that consistent home practice can help them reach their goals, and finish therapy, faster.
3. Choose times when they’re alone. Try not to correct your child in front of friends or in public. Doing so can feel embarrassing and may make them more self-conscious or less willing to talk in those settings. The same goes for siblings: talk with your child about who in the family they feel comfortable being corrected in front of, and make sure siblings understand that correcting speech is your job, not theirs. Many kids, understandably, get annoyed when a sibling, especially a younger one, corrects them.
4. Make home practice fun. Speech and language practice doesn’t have to feel like a drill. Pick times when your child is in a good mood, and weave practice into play. Take turns in a game and ask them to practice their sounds or words along the way. Check out more ideas for keeping your child motivated, and remember to keep things light while reminding your child how hard they’re working.
How Can I Tell If This Approach Is Working?
Watch for your child becoming more willing to participate in practice over time. They may show less avoidance or frustration, and even initiate practice on their own occasionally. Progress may be gradual, and that’s normal. The goal is steady improvement in both skill and confidence, not instant perfection.
When Should I Seek Help?
Talk with your child’s speech-language pathologist if your child’s frustration around correction feels severe, if they’re avoiding practice or even therapy itself, or if you’re noticing a real dip in their confidence or willingness to communicate. They can help adjust the approach to better fit your child’s needs.
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions about supporting your child’s speech and language practice at home, contact our team at ETLC. We’re happy to help you find an approach that works for your family.
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