Is It Normal for My Child to Say Words Wrong?
Spoiler alert: Sometimes it’s totally normal. Other times, it’s a sign your child might benefit from speech support. Let’s break it down together and without the overwhelm.
You’re Not Alone If You’ve Wondered…
“My 3-year-old says ‘nake’ instead of ‘snake’… is that okay?”
”My toddler skips the first sound in words. Should I be worried?”
“Other kids seem to talk more clearly—what’s going on?”
Many parents come to us with the same questions. The truth is: making speech sound mistakes is part of how children learn to talk. But knowing which errors are typical and which are red flags can help you feel confident in your next steps.
Why Kids Say Words “Wrong”
Learning to talk is a complex process that unfolds over several years. Some sounds are easier for little mouths and brains to master than others. That’s why toddlers and preschoolers often swap, skip, or change certain sounds.
This is part of a natural learning process called phonological development and most kids go through similar patterns along the way.
Common Speech Sound Patterns (That Are Totally Normal… for a While)
Here are a few of the most common ways children simplify speech sounds:
Fronting: “tat” for “cat”
Stopping: “tock” for “sock”
Gliding: “wabbit” for “rabbit”
Cluster Reduction: “pane” for “plane”
Final Consonant Deletion: “ca” for “cat”
These patterns are expected in toddler, but they should fade as your child gets older.
What Sounds Develop When? (Speech Sound Chart)
Here’s a quick look at when most children develop individual speech sounds:
| Age | Sounds Typically Mastered |
|---|---|
| 2–3 years | p, b, m, h, w |
| 3–4 years | t, d, k, g, f, n |
| 4–5 years | y, l, v |
| 6–7 years | s, z, r, sh, ch, th |
Pro Tip: Some tricky sounds like “r,” “th,” and “s” take longer and that’s OK! Please keep in mind, this is just a general guideline. And I will often still treat sounds like /s, z, r, sh, ch, th/ well before the ages of 6-7 if I think the child is ready for it!
How Well Should My Child Be Understood?
This is one of the most important markers of speech development:
Age 2: Strangers understand about 50%
Age 3: About 75%
Age 4+: 90–100%
If your child is 3 or older and people outside the family have a hard time understanding them, it may be time to check in.
When to Be Concerned
While some speech errors are part of normal development, others may indicate a need for support.
You might want to talk to a speech therapist if your child:
Is difficult to understand by age 3–4
Skips beginning or ending sounds in words often
Seems frustrated when trying to communicate
Isn’t making progress over several months
Used to say a sound or word but no longer does
Has a history of frequent ear infections or hearing issues
And remember: you don’t have to wait until things are “bad enough” to ask for help. Early support can make a huge difference.
What Can I Do at Home?
If your child is making speech errors, here are a few helpful things you can do:
✅ Model clearly. Repeat what your child says using the correct sounds—but no need to constantly correct them.
Child: “I see a wabbit!”
You: “Yes! I see a rabbit too!”
✅ Read aloud often. Books with rhyme and repetition are especially helpful.
✅ Play with sounds. Try sound-based games like “I Spy” or clapping syllables.
✅ Limit background noise during conversations so your child can hear and focus on speech sounds more easily.
When to Talk to a Speech Therapist
You know your child best. If something feels “off,” trust your gut.
A licensed speech therapist can:
Screen your child’s speech sounds
Explain what’s normal and what’s not
Offer fun, play-based strategies to help
Getting support early can prevent frustration and boost confidence for both your child and YOU.
Grab Your Free Toolkit:
“Is It Normal for My Child to Say Words Wrong?”
To make it easier, we created a free resource you can download today. It includes:
✅ Speech sound development chart (ages 2–7)
✅ Quick checklist: What’s typical, what’s not
✅ 3 easy things to try at home
Click Here for your the free toolkit!
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure this out on your own. Support is available, and speech therapy doesn’t have to be scary or serious. In fact, it can be playful, engaging, and fun.
Ready to chat?
If you're in Richland, Knox, Morrow, or Crawford County, Ohio, our team at Northern Star Therapy Services offers friendly screenings and play-based support that works.
Let’s take the guesswork out of speech milestones—together.
