How is a child’s emotional and social development affected by their communication skills, speech and language?
Many parents don’t realize just how important speech and language is for the development of social and emotional skills in their children. Communication takes place in early in life, and considered to be one of the most crucial development skills a child learns. Their first understanding of the world around them is being formed.
If a child has difficulty learning or understanding communication or language, it can restrict their ability to express their ideas with confidence.
While children observe their environment, have thoughts and feelings in their mind, but if they don’t have a well developed language skills, they may have difficulty making themselves understood by others.
For children who experience speech issues such as unclear speech patterns, stuttering, or poor annunciation, often withdraw from their peers, isolate themselves, minimize verbal interactions, and avoid circumstances where they need to speak out loud.
A few clues that your child may have difficulty expressing their feelings or thoughts may have emotional outbursts, low frustration tolerance, or excessive shyness.
Academic progress can also be affected if a child has speech and language challenges. Reading and verbal apprehension are important elements for academic success, and require linguistic expression.
When children start school or with others their own age, they notice how other children speak and communicate. If their speech is different, they can’t articulate as easy, or express themselves, or be understood, it can have a profound emotional effect. It can ultimately lead to a lack of confidence and lower class performance.
It can ultimately lead to being teased by their peers and rejection. Negatively impacting academic, interpersonal, and social growth development
Check back with us next week for more information on how a child’s emotional and social development is affected by their communication skills, speech and language. Until then, if you have any questions or concerns, contact First Words Speech Therapy.
