Yelling Can Hinder Child Development and Delay Speech, Expert Warns

Parents who resort to shouting or yelling at children experiencing speech delays may inadvertently harm their emotional and communication development, according to counselor Nurfarahira Ahmad Yaccob. Speech delay, defined as a child's inability to produce sounds or speak words in line with their age-appropriate development, requires a sensitive approach.

Early warning signs include a child not uttering simple words like "mama" or "baba" by their first birthday, or failing to combine two words into a basic sentence by age two. If a child relies heavily on sign language, frequently whines to express needs, or doesn't respond when called by name, parents should consult a speech therapist or specialist.

One of the biggest challenges for parents is emotional burnout, often stemming from communication barriers with their child. When children struggle to articulate their desires, they may resort to tantrums, leaving parents in a constant state of guesswork. This situation is compounded by societal pressure and comparisons with other children's development, adding to parental stress.

Nurfarahira emphasizes that yelling at a child with a speech delay is counterproductive. Instead of fostering discipline, it can instill fear, causing the child's brain to enter a "fight or flight" mode. This response can disrupt the language processing centers in the brain, making it even harder for the child to learn new words. Some children may withdraw completely, becoming fearful of attempting to speak.

In response, parents are encouraged to adopt a calm communication style. This involves lowering oneself to the child's eye level, using a soft tone, and speaking slowly and clearly. Demonstrating objects and enunciating words one by one can aid comprehension. Some children might react aggressively by hitting or throwing objects, while others may become withdrawn or overly dependent on their parents. A gentle, patient approach is key to fostering a supportive environment for a child's language development.