Embarrasing question - speech impediment w/ children?

curlesque424 · 07-03-2011, 12:14 PM

I find this to be embarrassing to admit this but I have speech impediment due to lack of hearing in my ears (something I was born with) and my speech is sometimes a bit humilating for me. I went to therapy for this and I completed this. However I think my speech can still be improved but I have to wait for another therapy to respond.

I'm typing this because I have to go to a camp to offer my help to the site administritions to make the camp go smoothly, but at the same time, I will have to work with children. I notice that some children do not understand me due to my speech impedimet and this lowers myself-esteem a bit, which hinders me from interacting more with the children. But since they are so young, I cannot go up to them and explain my situation. I use hand gestures to communicate or to send them a message of what I want to say, and this seems to be working well. Although I still realize that they need verbal language to understand what's going around them and when this needs to happen, I try my best to avoid this situation and get someone to do this. I know I'm setting more barriers around me but I feel embarrassed whenever I come across this situation.

Any advice on how to make myself better so that I can overcome my lowered self-esteem by my speech impediment? Thanks so much!

Wiregirl · 07-03-2011, 01:01 PM

Children have kind hearts, keep talking! We are all different!

cailin · 07-03-2011, 01:02 PM

I think kids are more accepting and patient than people give them credit for. If you explain the situation or have another councilor explain it for you it'll be fine. It doesn't have to be a huge deal just "Ms. Curlesque has a speech impediment. Please be patient and be fully attentive when she is speaking to you."

If you use ASL you could teach them basic signs. make it a little fun.

In short, I think it will be easier for you and the children if they have a basic understanding of your impediment. It will also be a good life lesson of being tolerant to other peoples differences.

SusieSuze · 07-03-2011, 02:24 PM

I agree with Cailin. Also I'd like to add that you may not realize this, but you are a fantastic role model! You can show people you have worked hard to overcome the limitations of your disability-- and being able to communicate is evidence of your success. Younger children may not be able to understand you at first, but they will eventually, and actually you will be helping them form new neural pathways that will help them develop foreign language learning skills in the future. Seriously! These kids will have a better future because they have to work a bit harder to understand you!! It is a huge blessing for them to get to know you.

My neighbors daughter had a malformed hand with only 2 fingers. She was a bright beautiful girl who was my children's age. I was so thankful for having her in our life. She helped to teach my boys to be openminded and considerate and accepting. You must learn to view your disability as a huge opportunity for you to help others in very deep life affirming ways.

I hope you see how important you are!!!

curlesque424 · 07-03-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SusieSuze

I agree with Cailin. Also I'd like to add that you may not realize this, but you are a fantastic role model! You can show people you have worked hard to overcome the limitations of your disability-- and being able to communicate is evidence of your success. Younger children may not be able to understand you at first, but they will eventually, and actually you will be helping them form new neural pathways that will help them develop foreign language learning skills in the future. Seriously! These kids will have a better future because they have to work a bit harder to understand you!! It is a huge blessing for them to get to know you.

My neighbors daughter had a malformed hand with only 2 fingers. She was a bright beautiful girl who was my children's age. I was so thankful for having her in our life. She helped to teach my boys to be openminded and considerate and accepting. You must learn to view your disability as a huge opportunity for you to help others in very deep life affirming ways.

I hope you see how important you are!!!

The story about your neighbor's daughter is very touching. Your answer to this question opened my mind and helped me realize that my disability is a gift. Thank so much to the two other ladies who answered this question as well! I agree that children may not understand me first but when they get used to me, they can now understand me better because that happened to me with a young distant relative. Now we can talk without any problems. I have to just look beyond the barriers that are surrounding me and go ahead to achieve my dreams.

Anyway thank you again!

Myradella3 · 07-03-2011, 08:51 PM

What sounds or types of sounds do you have trouble saying? Is it all 's' sounds, 'k' sounds, or what? And do you leave off sounds or use a different sound like instead of 's', you say 'th'?

NetG · 07-03-2011, 09:31 PM

Little kids love helping, and are usually told they are too young/little to help. I would think if you tell them you can't always speak properly and tell them you need their help making it work they probably would be thrilled to help.

When I was in elementary school we had PE with the special ed kids, and our teachers asked us to help make sure they could understand and do what we were supposed to do. We were snotty spoiled brats, yet said nothing mean about them and loved being able to help. A problem which is only a speech/hearing issue? That's nothing and the kids would love to help!

Sent from my "smart"phone. Please excuse typos!

curlypearl · 07-04-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NetG

Little kids love helping, and are usually told they are too young/little to help. I would think if you tell them you can't always speak properly and tell them you need their help making it work they probably would be thrilled to help.

When I was in elementary school we had PE with the special ed kids, and our teachers asked us to help make sure they could understand and do what we were supposed to do. We were snotty spoiled brats, yet said nothing mean about them and loved being able to help. A problem which is only a speech/hearing issue? That's nothing and the kids would love to help!

Sent from my "smart"phone. Please excuse typos!

What a good idea!
To the OP: I had trouble making myself understood for almost 2 years following brain surgery. It's much better now, but I understand totally how you feel. I hope all goes well for you.
ETA: SuzieSuze, your post made me smile. I agree!

The New Black · 07-04-2011, 12:13 PM

Can you approach it in a light-hearted way, maybe with some slightly self-deprecating humor? I don't mean to make light of you or your experiences. I'm just saying that levity can make difficult situations easier.

melloweer · 07-04-2011, 11:42 PM

Children are the most accepting group in the world, just by their nature. I hope you don't ever hold yourself back from being involved with them to your fullest. I know 100% that you have sooooo much to give and offer them!! Completely agree with Suzie you are a wonderful wonderful gift to teach amazing life lessons for children. Those children will be so deeply impacted by you!