Why does my daughter have problems saying certain words?

Question

My 2 year old had problems saying some words that start with ‘D.’ Instead of 'D' she says 'G.' The words she has trouble with are DOG, DUCK, DINGLE, DARK, DOCK, and DECK.

Like instead of DOG, it’s GOG, and instead of DUCK it’s GUCK. I can get her to say the 'D' sound before the word, but then she replaces it with a 'G' sound.

Like I will say, "D(uh) D(uh) DOGGIE" and she will repeat back "D(uh) D(uh) GOGGIE." (the D's being the D sound as in 'DUH' not 'DEE')

But she had no problem saying the 'D' sound in some other words, like DADDY, DOES, DANGER, DARING, DANCE, DUDE, DENT, DOCTOR, DEDUCTION and DYING.

It’s not a big deal, and I know she will grow out of it, but I am just curious.

And by the way, SHE IS 2 YEARS OLD! Speech therapy is just stupid at this point.

Answer 1

First off, Teddy bear needs to learn how to spell!! Second, It's very normal for 2 yrs olds to have pronunciation problems.. She's still learning.. Just be consistent about correcting it!! She'll catch on.. Good luck to you!!

Answer 2

Pronunciation errors like those are common in young children. If strangers can't understand your child by the time she's 3, then her articulation may need some professional attention, but before this age saying just parts of words is quite common. If your child seems to be learning a large vocabulary of words, don't be overly concerned. You should, however, model the correct form of any word she mispronounces by repeating it back to her naturally as part of a sentence. For example, when she says "ca," you repeat back "Yes, a cat." Your child may simply need more exposure to the word to develop the articulation skills necessary to say it correctly. But don't tell her that her pronunciation is incorrect or directly instruct her how to say the word ("Say it like this: cat"). And keep your modeling down to a few examples a day, as your toddler may get discouraged if you seem overly focused on how she's saying things, rather than on what she's saying.

One fun way to work on pronunciation with your toddler is to play an "I say, you say" copycat game. You say the word, then have your child repeat it. Switch after a while, giving your toddler a chance to lead while you follow. Another idea is to point out pictures in books that contain the sound your child is having trouble with: a cat, a bat, a mat, etc. You could even have fun finding pictures in magazines and creating your own sound book. (Of course, you don't want your toddler to know that you're doing this as a pronunciation exercise, since you don't want to make her self-conscious about her speech. It's just a fun activity to do together.) Whatever strategy you choose, make sure your child can see your face as you pronounce the words correctly. Have her watch and follow your lips through the word spoken.

My son, still to this day, says "corn on macob" and he just turned ten. We laugh about it and he corrects himself. It's not a big deal, like you said.

Answer 3

Perhaps she might need a frentilectomy? This is a routine where that peice of skin from either her upper lip is growing between her two front teeth might need clipped or the skin under tongue might need clipped. Ask your doctor.
Perhaps speech theropy might be in order. Have her evaluated. I know here in Arkansas there is this thing called early interventions for children up to 3 years old. It is state ran and free. A lady comes to your house and works with your child. Call DHS in your area and see if your state has something like that.

Answer 4

She's only 2 and it might take her time to get it right. I'd keep trying with her.Try looking into a mirror with her and say the words first then let her. I'd also have a Dr. look at her ears to make sure that every thing is ok.


[e-mail]

Answer 5

At two years I really think they might just like their own way. My son called himself Neanyn.(Keanyn (Kee-nan) is his name) But he could say every other word that started with a K. We would say K (making the K sound here) K Keanyn and he would say K K Neanyn. Then here recently -he's three now - I asked him what his name was he replied with his usual "NeNe" (he has also shortened his own name now) I said "No! Can you say it.. Do you know how to say your name." He says to me "OH.. ALRIGHT ... Keanyn" Just like that ... clear as day .. he must have known all along! I laughed so hard ..trying to give attention so that maybe he will do it more. Now he runs up and says "Hey mommy want to know something funny.. Keanyn!" Anyway my point being maybe it is just that independence coming out and she likes it her way! I have no idea .. kids are so cute and quirky at times!

Answer 6

well sounds like a speech problem but then agin she's 2yrs old she can outgrow that befor she's 4/5 yrs old my son is 4 1/2 and he has a speech problem which is going to require speech therapy i would ask your pediatricion as each child is diffrent

Answer 7

It will pass. My daughter used to pronounce everything that started with an Y with an L so the color Yellow came out Lello. Your daughter is only two, she is just learning about words and pronounciation.

Answer 8

Since you say she CAN pronouce D properly in some words, I wouldn't worry about it. Just continue to speak clearly to her and she should pick it up on her own.

Answer 9

It's normal. When my daughter was that age she had an issue with the letter "J". For example, for the word "juice" she would say "foof"

Answer 10

You ask and you answer.Why bother,she is a 2 year old for heavens sake.