Hey Sue,

My 4 year old daughter’s speech is not understood by many people.  I can understand her, but I am always translating for others.  What should I do?                                

Katie (Charlottesville)

Hey Katie,  

A child’s speech at 4 years of age is understood 90% of the time.  They are able to use consonants including ‘s’, ‘z’, ‘k’, ‘g’, ‘t’, ‘d’, ‘f’, ‘l’, ‘ch’, ‘sh’, and ‘j’ at the beginning and end of words.  It is time for your daughter to see a speech therapist.  You will be amazed at the progress once therapy begins!  Also, make thick smoothies and have your daughter use a straw to build her tongue and lip strength as she slurps!

Click Here for some more lip exercises (word document)