Voice

Voice

If your child is having difficulty with their voice, try to reduce situations where your child is yelling or talking over the top of noise. Encourage periods of quiet activities to give the voice a rest.

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How do I know if my child has a voice problem?

A child may have difficulty with their voice when it frequently sounds:

  • rough or hoarse 
  • husky
  • nasal (like they are talking through their nose)
  • unusual or different to their friends' voices

Some tamariki (children) may lose their voice completely at times.

Graphic of child sitting on floor and playing with connector toys

How can I help my child with a voice problem?

Avoid yelling

Try to reduce situations where your child is yelling. For example, try not to yell across a room or playground instead, encourage them to walk over to talk to someone.

Have a quiet environment 

Try to reduce situations where your child is talking over the top of noise; like loud music. 

Encourage quiet activities

Encourage periods of quiet activities to give the voice a rest; such as looking at books or doing a craft activity.

Who should I talk to if I am concerned about my child's voice?

If you have any concerns about your child's voice talk to your child's doctor who may refer your child to a specialist or a speech language therapist.

References

If you would like to look at anything in more detail, this list of references might be a good starting point.

Acknowledgements

The content on this page has been produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and adapted from Much more than words | Manuka takoto, kawea ake (2014).

External links and downloads

Information on communication development | Ministry of Education

This booklet is for supporting the communication development of young tamariki. Family, whānau, early childhood educators, kaiako, health professionals and others may find it useful. It includes information about typical communication development in young children and ideas for supporting them. The booklet was published by the Ministry of Education in 2014. 

Plunket for concerns about speech or language development

If you are concerned about your child's language or speech development, you could discuss your concerns with your Plunket nurse or other Well Child provider. Check the Plunket website for a Plunket near you. Plunket also offers an early childhood health telephone help service. It is available to all families, whānau and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call PlunketLine free on 0800 933 922.

NZ Speech-Language Therapists' Association

Speech language therapists are employed in the Ministry of Education, special schools, hospitals, and in private practice. To find a speech language therapist, you can contact the Ministry of Education, Special Education on 0800 622 222 (you can self-refer to a Ministry of Education speech-language therapist); email a query to special.education@minedu.govt.nz; see where to find speech and language therapists at the NZ Speech-Language Therapists' Association website; ask your child's teacher to refer your child or look in the phone book's yellow pages under speech language therapy for speech language therapists in private practice. 

Tags
Speech & Language

This page last reviewed 08 December 2023.

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