My Fears for my Speech Delayed Child | The Mum's Side of Toddler Speech Delay | SJ STRUM

[@BeingRachel]

My sister didn’t say a word until she was 4!.... all she did was grunt and point at things. She is now 23 and you wouldn’t know that she had a problem with delayed speech. So sad to see you get so emotional, but I get it, at the age of 7 I remember seeing my mum cry over the fact my sister at age 3 couldn’t say ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ and she totally blamed herself. You are doing an excellent job Mummy!- well done xxxx 😘😘

[@SJ_Strum]

Being Rachel wow bless your mum; that must have been so hard and confusing for you too. It’s incredible isn’t it how kids overcome things; o just can’t wait for him to get through this xx

[@ibosquez5238]

@@SJ_Strum He will, just let him take his time with it. That happened to my sister when she was little and now we can't shut her up. She got past.

[@ibosquez5238]

@@SJ_Strum Don't worry. You Are an Excellent mom.

[@meems1972]

I feel this in every way. My daughter has speech issues and you see the differences in how children interact with her. As a parent, you want your child to be treated as everyone else also to have those some peer to peer friendships/relationship and simple to be accepted.

[@pinkysworn]

My heart breaks for you when you talk about this, especially the fear of people not knowing what a lovely boy he is.

[@SJ_Strum]

Stacey aka pinkysworn it really upsets me that people don’t fully understand him as he’s always saying funny little things and I have to translate :-(

[@MsRrossi]

Thanks for sharing this video. My son who is 5 has a language delay. We started in speech therapy at age 2.5 years old after I noticed his speech wasnt progressing and he didnt start doing two word sentences, was only doing animal sounds and not the name of the animals etc, also so many tantrums as he couldnt get the words out but knew what he wanted and was constantly frustrated. We have had ongoing speech since then and he has come along way, although is still delayed. I have had all same fears and we got an assessment completed before school so the school would know how best to work with him and I couldnt even bring myself to read the report. I also had exactly the same fears about school and how he would go and his peers. We have been really lucky and he goes to a mainstream school with a class ratio of one teacher to 14 kids (catholic school - although we arent religious they use the reggio emilia educational philioshy which is perfect for our hands on learner) Our school has been awesome and he has speech therapy through school twice per week and still sees the private speech therapist fortnightly. Since he started school at the start of the year he has come on in leaps and bounds, I cant even believe he is the same boy! He is still delayed but has made friends, contributes in class and is so confident. As you would know speech and language delays can in turn make literacy difficult as they need to be able to sound out words correctly to read, but my son will be bringing home his first readers as of next week the same time as every other kid in his class as he has confidently been able to sound out the letters required. I honestly feel like I could have made this video myself, so relatable. Good luck to your little fella and hopefully school will be a great place for him, like it has been for my son. I also blamed myself like you mentioned as I had my second child only 15 months after he was born, so I was very busy and blamed myself that I didnt read enough to him and I also let him have the dummy too long, knowing what I know now I know that this is most likely just the way he was born and nothing I did made him delayed. p.s - i have only just read his speech report in the last few weeks which was done in august 2017, so I felt just like you. sorry for the novel, I just feel this resonates with me so much and in the end I truly believe they will get there in the end, just at their own pace, until then all we can do is give them every opportunity to help them along this journey!

[@DrakesNest]

Love this:):) ❤️❤️❤️ I literally feel like our story’s and feelings are so similar, loved doing this collab together xx

[@SJ_Strum]

Drakes Nest I know! Listening to you I was like / this is me!!! I think we have such similar boys and outlooks. It’s so nice to have found each other in this crazy KZbin world!!!! X

[@ashleyashpaugh3698]

This is hitting me hard today. I followed you for your beautiful name videos. But ventured further in your channel. Thank you for putting this out there.

[@laurenaugino2280]

I am so glad I came across your channel! My son is only 2 1/2 and has a speech delay. I can relate to all of your fears and it is so incredibly hard to deal with all of the emotions. Even moreso, I'm so interested in how you utilize gentle or kind parenting with Finn. My son can sometimes have such intense tantrums that the gentle parenting doesn't seem to work. Or maybe I just don't have the patience to get through those particular tantrums? I don't know. But it seems to make him more upset when I try to talk him through his feelings or explain why he can't do something. Almost like he feels misunderstood and talked at which is the exact opposite of what I'm trying to achieve. Anyway, I so look forward to your videos and just wanted you to know that the way you've opened up about these difficult topics has meant to world to a me. Thank you.

[@sidushah7876]

Hi SJ it was lovely watching your videos on Finns speech. I'm currently going through this with my first born and also have do much anxiety for hin starting nursery. He will be under SEN also hes just turned 3 and has many meltdowns n screams a lot when not understood. The schools advised for him to be on a reduced timetable as they feel his not ready. This makes me sad as I just want him to be treated the same as other children

[@rebeccagreenwood7092]

I am so so glad i stumbled on this video! My 3 year old daughter has a speech delay and we are currently going to see a speech therapist. I am so worried about her going to school and getting lost in the system.

[@elizabethd2468]

I love your videos on speech delay. My second child has a speech delay and I have been fighting for him since before he turned one. The has been evaluated before and was 2% off from qualifying and we had to go back 3 months later to get evaluated again. He now has help but has to get evaluated again for the school system because he is turning 3. I am scared to have him go into school. I know him, know how he communicates and know when he gets frustrated and how to calm him. I saw your video about how your son did once he started school...it gives me hope but I worry still. He has a slight developmental delay but he is so smart, funny and kind. He communicates with pointing, signing, noises, a few words and body posture. Thank you for sharing!

[@cassiewebb1691]

Thank you for this ....my beautiful little girl Missy was exactly the same and luckily the school had brought a private speech therapist and the amount of progress she has made is amazing ...I had all the fears you have expressed ...much love xxxx

[@lyssash]

Aw, I wish you the best of luck with your son. My son had a delay as well, then it was called a severe speech disorder once we had him in speech therapy, he is now 8 and speaks clearly he just has trouble with his "R" sound. The first few years in school he wasn't understood but still had friends, it was actually amazing to see how kids would interact with him and his teachers were a great support. I know how hard and frustrating it can be, hang in there! 💓

[@SJ_Strum]

AW I so so hope this is my story; having trouble with R sounds like a dream to me at the moment - ha ha! I kind of just want to fast forward until it's OK but also not wish away these years - it's just a long road vs a quick fix. Thanks so much for letting me know - it's so good to have hope xx

[@fiona330]

Well done for speaking out about this. I had no idea how wide spread it was. Reassuring for other mamas to read positive stories in the comments below 😊 it's so tough sending your little ones out into the world- I feel you! 🤗 xx

[@SJ_Strum]

wah_mama Fiona me neither!!! When I first spoke about it I felt so much better knowing I wasn’t alone xxx

[@souhilaf671]

Thank you for the video SJ . When you cried I cried as well because I am going through that as well with my son , but since he started school his speech really improved, because he got a lots of support. A lot of school in England offer a good support for the speech delay, well I hope everything will be ok , I watch you videos your Instagram stories, your son is a clever , lovely boy I am sure his speech will improve and because he has a very good and caring mum xx

[@SJ_Strum]

Thanks so much Sarah; I really hope Finn comes on quickly at school with his speech and doesn't close up - I just have the fear it could go either way but he's very confident and happy right now....I'm sorry you're going through it too but happy to hear such a positive story. I hope I have the same to say next year!! xxxx

[@clairewillow6475]

Lots of hugs. It can feel so helpless when you’re a mom with a son with a speech delay (or daughter, just said son because that’s my situation)

[@bobobo373737]

I understand how you and Devyn feel. I have two little girls that are both speech delayed and it is extremely frustrating at times and I have so many fears. Thanks for these encouraging videos.

[@SJ_Strum]

I'm glad you can relate to it too; it's scary facing speech delay and not knowing how to make it easier and better for them xxx

[@Tirtsuify]

It makes me furious, how people treat little children with speech delay,especially other parents thinking that the child is stupid and doesn't understand but they really do. My nephew has a speech delay, and his teacher in the kindergarten teaches him sign language but they lady wont say the words out loud. So my sister-in-law does all the work all over again and tries that he says the words out loud. He is getting better but it is still long way to go.

[@elsbelton7572]

My daughter didn’t talk and then at 2 nursery picked up on it and got her assessed she then had speech therapy etc when she was 4 she was moved from mainstream to a speech and language unit and she’s now 10 soon to be 11 and she’s doing amazing I know how hard it is at the beginning but it does get better and the kids don’t give up 😁 she was diagnosed with verbal dyspraxia when she was 4 x

[@SJ_Strum]

Els Belton oh I’ve never heard of that?! I’ll look it up; that sounds like an amazing place!!!

[@carolinewall4182]

Sending big massive love to you SJ... Can I say you’re doing all the right things regarding connectiveness between home, speechies and classroom teacher! Children are so resilient! I work in a reception class as you know, and we have two gorgeous children with severe speech delay. Do you know what? They’ve been at school for only eight weeks, from the first day, they made friends, laughed, played, ran, did activity, got asked to sit near friends, and all the other fun things that happen at school! You said it, you’ve instilled within him the confidence, and I’m so so certain that he will be ok... Teachers that work with young children are so good at deciphering little people speak, you’ll be amazed I’m sure! I had a conversation the other day with a boy called Cooper, he has three best friends and he does an amazing job of helping us to understand him xxxxxxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Aw I wish you were at Finn's school!!!! I need to remember how lovely the staff will be and how much I can trust them to take the time to understand and nurture his speech - I just feel like it's this BIG WORLD I"m putting him into not a lovely classroom of friends and qualified adults. He's just so special to me - of course - that I want everyone to be kind and sweet to him. He told me lsat night I was his 'best best best friend' and I just want to do right by him. xxxx

[@carolinewall4182]

SJ Strum You’re so beautiful 😍

[@kellymarie3714]

You will get there! I always understood Reece, and I know how you feel about it all. Reece got signed off from speech therapy just before Christmas, his school friends quickly got used to how he spoke, and the school organised for speech therapy to go into school and also a support teacher did the speech therapy games and excersizes within school. You will get there xx

[@SJ_Strum]

Kelly Marie that’s so reassuring to hear - I really Hope this will be my story xxxx

[@laurensmall8880]

This actually made me cry, i get so emotional with these types of videos and others experiences. I also have so much guilt and blame myself all the time wondering what i did wrong or have i not done enough when i play with him to encourage speech. My son turned 2 last month and still isnt saying much at all, apart from uh oh, wow, mumma, ga etc and he's still yet to say dadda so similar to your situation. I've always been wary of his speech from around a year and a half, when i noticed other children seemed more advanced with their speech and the fact that he wasn't babbling as much as he should. He also compensates for the lack of speech with gestures, he'll grab the juice out the cupboard when he's thirsty or give us his juice bottle. He'll get his nappy or his sisters for me when i ask and knocks on the door before opening it now too, he always shows he has a good level of understanding when we talk to him or ask him to do something. He's such a cheeky happy little boy with lots of character and so smart in other ways. But, like you i worry people completely miss that side of him because their focused on his lack of speech. Should i take him to see a speech pathologist or wait a little longer? I'm so lost on what to do.

[@nessabridge5019]

Both me and my son didn’t speak at all until we’d gone 5! Both of us are fine. My son will be 21 in June and sometimes just because they are slower - people jump in too quickly . We were offered speech therapy but we decided to wait and see if he sorted himself out and for us he did. You are doing all the right things. Love is the best we can give our children and safe place in the home. Love conquers everything , you do amazing. So brave to wear your heart on your sleeve! Wish I could give you a big hug 🤗 love to all your family xxxxx

[@jade_maus_]

I found you through a recommendation in devyn’s videos! Amazing you two have connected! There is never any fault in speech delay, it’s not your fault it’s not finn’s fault. You will overcome, absolutely, beautiful SJ. 💕 Just keep working and working.

[@SJ_Strum]

28tayloranne thanks so much; yes it’s so cool to be able to speak to other people the other side of the world with the same issues and outlook - I love her!! Thanks so much; it’s so hard not to blame yourself as a mum bit of course it doesn’t make sense x

[@jade_maus_]

SJ Strum it’s just what happens when you love someone like only a mom can. Just shows how lovely your heart is!

[@stepheniespetcare6390]

My son is 21 months and he has always made this strong G sound. So thank you for sharing that. I have been referred to a speech therapist so have another month to wait for that. I'm hoping he'll catch up. He is getting there. Big hugs but he will get there.

[@FluffyWhiteCows]

As a year one teacher in the U.K. I can honestly say we do the best we can to tune in and understand your child. I’ve had multiple children in my classes with speech delays and by the end of September I have been able to understand each child. The children in the classes always seem to fully understand the children with speech delays way better than any adult. Children are very understanding. If you ask, the school should be able to do daily speech therapy.

[@SJ_Strum]

FluffyWhiteCows wow I hope so!!!! That’s so so reassuring; thanks so much. It’s very daunting but I hope we have the best support xxx

[@soumyareddy7252]

FluffyWhiteCows So much love to you 😘😘😘😘 Your words are so encouraging and now I can believe that my son will do the best next year in reception time with the help of this kind of wonderful Teachers 🙏🏻 My son is having 3 hours therapies every day hopefully with gods grace and good encourages teachers like you can make my son speak soon ... so far as mother I am still waiting for him to call me “mama” but don’t know when he is gonna call me Every single day I think of “Why Me “ Anyway got so much emotional Now ... sorry will stop and thanks once again 🙏🏻

[@zoewilliams1090]

My little girl who is 5 has speech delay she will get there her teacher has put us forward to a speech therapy as we have been let down a lot so I think I’ve just learnt that it will be ok. We were put forward when she was in nursery but they lost paperwork and the same happened when she started school so here we go again, the waiting list is apparently very long which does worry me and she is struggling with her phonics which I’m not worrying that she is going to be left behind. I definitely think it’s harder when they go to school, she hasn’t made friends and plays a lot by herself which does upset me. She also gets frustrated sometimes if we don’t get what she means and I don’t blame her as it’s got to be frustrating. Big hugs it’s tough lots of love x x

[@TheLaurenCraft]

I am an aba therapist in the us that works with kids with autism and speech delays and I see them progress so quickly and make amazing strides everyday. Your child is extraordinarily and brilliant and has an amazing mommy!

[@SJ_Strum]

Wow what a rewarding job - thanks so much I feel so reassured.

[@Bananachan289]

I’m not going through what you are but just wanted to leave a massive virtual hug xxxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Ralion thanks so much xxxx

[@ibosquez5238]

Same 👍💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 Ooooooooooo ❌❌❌❌❌❌❌

[@kimberleyohjustmylittleblo1342]

I just want to offer a little reassurance as a teacher. I teach reception (when not on maternity leave) and I’ve taught children with severe speech delay before. I’ve always tuned in so so quickly to all of them and been confident in understanding their speech. The other children honestly don’t notice at that age either and he’s such a lovely boy I know he’ll make a lovely group of friends who will love him for who he is and not know there is anything different. It must be so hard sending them to school, I’ve always known it but now I have a baby of my own it’s more real to me, but early years teachers chose that age group for a reason and we honestly love your children and look out for them and what is best for them. You’re doing everything you can for him, he’ll fly x

[@SJ_Strum]

Ah yes that's so so true about choosing that age group for a reason; when it's your own child you feel like they're the only child to ever have this issue and start school!! But i feel so reassured reading this; as I keep forgetting how qualified everyone is in Speech and Language nowadays and how good an environment it will actually be for him. This makes me a little excited for him to start! xxx

[@sallymacdonald4746]

My 5yo son is speech delayed. I've had very similar fears to you! My son is starting school in January. Keep up the good work xx

[@MummyBBlog]

My friends little boy sounds incredibly similar. He is now in year one and it was decided he would go to a specialist school for three days a week so they could completely focus on his speech and the remaining days in his mainstream school. He's a lovely boy and easily makes friends, I think once children got used to how he talks they found it easier to communicate, I know my daughter did anyway. Speech is such a big thing, I'm currently in the process of looking for a speech therapist for Henry, he has a stammer xxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Mummy B Vlogs that’s really interesting; I didn’t even know there were specialist speech schools!!! How was his speech? A stammer is hard as well; our therapist is lovely and she’s so qualified and calm it really helps; let me know how you get on x

[@MummyBBlog]

SJ Strum he's coming along really well! Yes, it's hard. We've already had people making fun. He's only two so it's going over his head at the moment :( xxx

[@Kateplus_x]

You are such a wonderful mum ❤️

[@SJ_Strum]

Ah thanks Kate - it's hard to always feel like it - I need to remember that just showing up and caring is good enough some weeks xxx

[@901halz]

I just watched this and I feel relief to know that you share similar fears in that not getting to know their little personality and that I’ve done something wrong. Also trying to explain to family and friends why my son has tantrums due to his frustrations can be so hard. It is such an emotional experience.

[@theguzmanfamily5299]

Just want to send you some encouragement your not alone my son is 4 gonna be 5 this summer he is also speech delayed continue with therapy i have great contact with the teacher volunteer so you’ll be there at the school things will get better it’s hard trust me the first day of school I cried and was panicking all day but when he came home with a smile on his face I was so happy . I wish you the best love 🥰🥰

[@tiffanymichelle3130]

Why was autism ruled out immediately. I’m going through the same thing? My son is 3 and his dr is concerned about autism. I’m devastated.

[@Fermerswife]

Oh SJ my heart goes out to you. My 4 year old has had some difficulties with people understanding him although it seems to be coming now, I know a little of how you feel. You just want to protect them don't you but I'm sure the school are used to children with speech delay and will work with you and him and he'll be just fine. At that young age I don't think children really see the differences the way older children or adults do. Finn will be just fine I'm sure of it. Hugs xx

[@SJ_Strum]

Fermerswife yes I do have faith in be kindness of kids; I think once he’s there I’ll feel loads better xxx

[@sineadbrowne8371]

My experience is identical to everything you have said. My son is 5 now and since starting school last Sept his speech has come on leaps and bounds. Up until maybe 6 months ago he struggled socially but this is just gone now and hes got a lovely little group of school pals. His frustration has completely eased. I make sure that his teacher is linked in with our SL Teacher and check in regularly. We tried lots of techniques and what worked for my son was Jolly Phonics. Just remember you are doing your best, your son is doing his best and it's not a race. Everyone meets their milestones in their own time. Also, his speech journey is setting him up to be a fantastic communicator with great visual skills. He's even helping his 2 year old sister who is non verbal at the moment (she has hearing loss and has Down Syndrome). Great video x

[@SJ_Strum]

Thanks Sinead; oh bless him helping his little sister - that must melt your heart to see them together. I do find Finn so empathetic to other children including Evelina but he seems to pick up on emotions and body language so well; I guess because he relies on that himself. I'm so happy to hear he's getting on better socially; yes Finn might love Jolly Phonics. I'll be so proud but also so nervous when he starts x

[@lovingit824]

My daughter starts reception in a mainstream school in September. She is moderately deaf but has always attended a mainstream nursery. She has coped well both socially and academically. We recently had a meeting with her teacher and the school SENCO (special educational needs coordinator), which was really useful to discuss any concerns and plan for any potential difficulties. You should definitely contact the school and ask to arrange a meeting with senco and teacher I’m sure they will do it. Good luck. We worry so much about our kids but then they go and do something amazing and surprise us! He will be fine with a mum like u who loves and supports him in every way xxx

[@mgk5691]

No experience with speech delay myself but loved every second of this video and sending you all so much love xx

[@SJ_Strum]

Ah thanks so much for watching Alice; it's such a strange world being a Mum and I think we can all relate to each other xx

[@dsb713]

My daughter is currently 4 yrs old and has speech delay, she can only say I did it or catch it Simple things We support her and don’t let her stress about it What upsets me is the pressure people put on me and my daughter, specially family members My bf brother and wife have a daughter that is 2 yrs older than our daughter and every single time there is a family gathering they (without failure) ask “ does she speak yet?” And go straight to question my daughter and throw question after question trying to get an answer She gets shy and hugs me Then once I tell them to stop they say oh well our daughter was counting to 20 and spoke clearly Then they say “I just want to hear her voice” So I just take my daughter and walk away once they start asking questions again They always look at my daughter as if she was a different form of species and judge every little thing she does I hate going to this gatherings but her dad justifies them by saying that is just they way his family is

[@keyme52525]

That's unacceptable your husband needs to support you and talk to his family about being more sensitive and having some respect towards you and your child I have a 3 year old daughter with speech delay and i know how comments like that can feel we have to be strong for our children good luck on your journey all will work out

[@cheflilyo3142]

My three year old son also has a speech delay, Severe Articulation Delay to be exact, and I'm soooooo nervous for him to start school. The plan is to be as involved as POSSIBLE, and we have thought of homeschooling, but I really think he'd enjoy being in school, but afraid about other people being jerks. My baby boy!

[@SJ_Strum]

Exactly - they are our babies and the idea of anybody upsetting them is the worst. But I think reading the comments on this video I've heard lovely things about school and there's no 'sign' that children will be anything other than lovely to Finn judging from all his preschool experiences. I hope he does well and I'm sure he will xxx

[@charlottehardy1158]

P.s thank you for doing this blog, i know how hard it is for you 💞💞💞

[@kateanderson6041]

My son has a hearing impairment and wears hearing aids. I feel the same as you about sending him off to school this September. At the moment I am always around to support him or repeat something if he hasn’t heard it. I am so worried about him being overwhelmed by the noise at school and getting lost in the numbers. Your little boy seems so sweet in your videos. X

[@SJ_Strum]

Ah I can imagine you feel that way; it's so hard isn't it. It's a huge step for them and us as they really have to be independent and even though he's at preschool now I feel more worried about real school as it's longer and more intense. Our little babies! I hope it goes the opposite way and because they have a bit of a special thing they will stand out more to their teachers and class. xxx

[@sarahtopping9120]

I completely understand what you are going through. My four year old son has autism and he has a speech delay. He started a special school last September and his speech has improved so much! I never thought he would speak and it does get better! He also uses PECS cards when he can't tell us what he wants, he will show us a picture and it helps with his frustration. X

[@SJ_Strum]

Sarah Topping oh that’s amazing; I’ll look at Thise cards xxx

[@chol1740]

My little boy is 6 now and has speech delay he has come along leaps and bounds since starting school , I had the same worries when he started at school but everybody at his school has been amazing with him , his teachers understand everything he says and hes never had any trouble with friends or children in his class being mean over it. His speech therapist used to go in a couple of times a week to help him and that really helped, I wana come give you a big hug it’s so hard unless you’ve been in that position, everything will be fine he will get there I promise! Xx

[@SJ_Strum]

Ah this is so so good to read; I really hope this is our story by this time next Easter; he'll be on a school break and I hope his speech is so much better. It's hard not to feel so scared for them taking these big steps into the world without language on their side - but I hope he can do it as well as your little one xxx

[@emilycombe6800]

My brother had this and the only person that could understand him was his little friend and she used to translate for the teacher. By primary 3/4 he was speaking perfectly. Now he’s 20 and would never of know

[@Samantha28232]

I’m also a Year 1 teacher (previously Reception) and I’ve come across lots of children with speech delays. Trust me, I have a class of 29 and I know each child inside and out and I love them all for their quirks and differences. No matter the class size any good teacher will be able to tune into your son and support him through his schooling. I’d recommend looking carefully at schools in your area - some now use funding to keep class sizes around 20 which would maybe help with that fear and you also be able to easily relay this information to potential class teachers. Schools are very supportive places, try not to worry x

[@SJ_Strum]

Thanks Samantha;; yes you've really made me think about speaking to all the schools about the speech and language. When I applied I just went on catchment as I did with Freddie but I'd be much better to travel somewhere which better suits him. I'm going to do this xxxxx

[@samwhite1373]

My eldest had a speech delay. And had very complex problems. He started speech therapy at 2 and half. School and nursery were really hard to start but I wrote words down that he would say and what they ment. So if he was hurt or needed the toilet general things they could look at list if they were unsure and check. The school he went to spoke with his therapist and worked with the school speech therapist to help. His class mates always understood him and within a couple of weeks his teacher was the same. He was never picked on or had any comments at school about his speech. By the time he was in year 2 he was signed off and didnt need the help anymore. Even now at age 11 he has a few sounds he can't completely say but no-one notices and I just get him to repeat it again properly. It is frustrating and school is very scary. But dont give up and it will sort itself out. The school should help as much as they can to settle your fears and help in any way they can. Xxx

[@charlottehardy1158]

SJ, i feel the same in lots of ways. I was so concerned about school with my son, however i will say he has definitely improved and we are slowly getting there. I think its a really good idea to contact school and go in, it will make you both feel better, im sure. I honestly know how your feeling, i can easily find myself getting so upset over it. I hate it when adults/ children say ‘ whats he saying’ im afraid my mama bear mode takes over! its only natural and hes my baby 💞💞 Keep smiling xxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Charlotte Hardy that’s so true; we are so protective it’s unreal and it just hits my heart. I’m so happy he’s improving at school; I think the anxiety over it is worse than when he actually goes. Xxx

[@abigaildavey8787]

Hi SJ, my daughter had speech delay and was very similar to Finn-she started lots of her words with a ‘g’ sound and couldn’t pronounce the ‘t’ ‘d’ or ‘s’ sound. She started speech therapy before school in the hope it may have corrected itself by school however it didn’t and I was so worried like you how she would cope with school. She did get the odd comment here and there but because she had that constant confidence boosting at home and she knew she had support it didn’t seem to faze her too much. Children were far more accepting than I first thought and if Finn makes friends easily,I’m sure that will be a huge bonus for him. It took my daughter about 18 months of speech therapy before it really started correcting itself. I felt like it was never going to happen but suddenly it just clicked. I found it took her a while to really understand how to make the sounds and where to put her tongue etc. but with age she started to self correct and she’s doing great now. I wish Finn all the luck in the world. He will get there but it does take time and perseverance. You are an amazing Mummy,and he will be just fine xxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Ah that's so interesting - apparently it's quite a rare speech thing isn't it with the strong G - I so so wish it was a quick fix but I feel we're also in for a long journey. I feel more patient some days and others I just want to have a 'cure' - at least they are so little I hope he doesn't remember too much of the therapy. So glad she's through the worst now; he's the same that he can make the other sounds but doesn't seem to put them into everyday language yet. He literally talks NON STOP though - ha ha ha!

[@nrasjid]

I feel so related to this. I completely understand how you feel 😞. My youngest son is 6 and his ability of speaking is like 3 yo. Once my friend made a mean comment said why I need to bring my son to speech therapy, just talk to him. Super mean.

[@alexwholey3391]

As the result of being an extreme prem baby, I didn’t speak until I was 3 and had to have speech therapy too. I believe my parents found it really helpful and there are no problems with my speech as an adult. Really felt for you watching this especially when you said a stranger was mean on the bus. People can be so ignorant. I hope the speech therapy helps x

[@SJ_Strum]

Alex Wholey wow that’s amazing to hear; I just can’t wait to hear Finn speaking clearly. I think I will burst with pride!!!!!

[@gem1740]

Hey SJ, my little boy is almost 5 and has speech delay - I was so nervous about him starting school back in September, especially as he was the youngest in the class. But my goodness, the school have been amazing, and he has come on leaps and bounds. I didn’t really notice how well he was doing until I watched some videos of him from this time last year and I couldn’t understand a word he said - so he’s done amazingly! I think because I’m not around to translate for him whilst he’s at school, he’s had to try harder to make himself heard, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We get the odd day where he says so and so didn’t listen to him and he gets frustrated, and that makes me sad, but he’s a confident little man, and it doesn’t seem to bother him too much. Please try not to worry, it’s hard as they’re our precious little people and we so desperately want to protect them. But it will be okay, he will get there, it will just take time Xxx

[@SJ_Strum]

OMG I really really hope this is my experience. He's at preschool now and I know he gets on really well with the others though he won't transition into reception there as we want him to go to the same school as his older brother. A few people have said his speech is improving since the therapy and preschool and I've noticed being in Sweden this week people seem to understand him and I've been translating less!!!!! So maybe it's happening; i was going to try to sing Twinkle Twinkle with him once a month on video just for myself to hear the improvements as it's so hard when you're with them everyday x

[@lifewithlisaonyt]

Awww! That's such a tough thing to go through.💕

[@khadijarobinson3826]

My son is four and has a severe lisp where it is very hard to understand certain words he is saying. We found out that he has a tongue tie (the piece under the bottom of your tongue that connects to the bottom of your mouth is longer than what it should be causing the tongue to stay down and not be able to move properly while speaking.) we took him to speech therapist but they did not think he needed to do speech therapy at this time as we can understand most of what he is saying. We are looking into getting the tongue tie clipped but it’s a surgery so kinda scared to put him through that. Be strong!! My sons speech has improved so much over time with us doing various mouth exercises with him. Everything works out in the end.

[@litolmae]

My little girl had the same issue, she had a cherry teet dummy until she turned 3 and therefore only used the ‘g’ or ‘c’ sound when speaking. I had all of the same worries and frustrations as you and had a meeting with her reception class teacher before she started school and voiced my concerns, her school are amazing and Libby has always been encouraged to use her voice. The school arranged a speech therapy referral in Sep ( when she started school) and between then and a few weeks ago on her first appointment, she had started to use her - B, P, D & T sounds! Outside of a shop one day she just looked at me and said B,P 🤭 total shock for us both, and 2 days before her speech app’ she did the same with the other 2. I was starting to think it would never come and then at age 5, there it was! He will get there, just keep reassuring him that he is perfect the way he is and that we all learn things in different ways. Lots of love x ( sorry for the essay ) x

[@SJ_Strum]

Ah wow that's amazing; actually Finn had a cherry dummy too - until he was 2 - do you think that's what causes it?!!! Hmmmm; Freddie had the same ones and didn't have a speech issue. You must be so so proud. Definitely agree they need to feel perfect as they are; thanks so much for the message. xxx

[@litolmae]

SJ Strum I’m not sure if the dummy was the cause or if it just added to the problem by keeping the tongue busy so the sounds couldn’t be practiced possibly. We are so proud of how brave she has been, school has given her so much confidence x

[@katyellams3425]

We love you SJ, no-one is perfect but you’re doing your best. Home schooling sounds like a good idea. Keep us posted. 💖💖💖💖💖 xxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Katy Ellams thanks Katy xxxx

[@MsSharon2011]

It is a very , very emotional time , My son didn’t speak for the first 3 years and then just used Echolalia. Mainly paw patrol phrases but no real sentences or two way conversations . We got some help in Manchester with The Roundway centre and they have been amazing !!. My son is on the Spectrum ( Autism). His process of language is overwhelming I realise that now. But he tries so hard and it breaks my heart . Mainstream school is my main worry but I use the techniques we do called PACT it’s amazing !!. My son is actually talking now xxxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Oh wow; that's so so good to hear and bless him!!!! He's working so hard and you must have been so worried; I'll look into that technique xxxxx

[@hazelkjrsen9568]

I was crying along with you whilst watching, it's heartbreaking isn't it? I totally get what you mean about wanting to be their safe place. I don't want home to feel like school where he spends his day trying to be understood. I have no doubt that Finn will catch up with his peers eventually, it's just the process that is so painful. He's got good hearing on his side and fantastic parents. I think it's a good idea to have a one to one with his teacher beforehand. We weren't able to have that organised for our son's school and I definitely felt like I was throwing his teacher in at the deep end and that was with 12 per class. Insensitive comments are the worst! I had a woman mutter behind me in a queue "Maybe if she didn't have so many kids her boy would have learnt to speak properly". We're actually trying to get our Tommy to not use his sign language at the moment because we noticed his speech was deteriorating further. I feel like a horrible mum because that's his main way of expressing himself but we've been told it will do him good in the long run. It was getting to the stage where he wasn't even trying to pronounce what he was trying to say because it took so long and he instantly reverted to sign language. I still haven't quite come to terms with the fact that he'll never speak "normally" since he's totally deaf in one ear and mildly deaf in the other, but right now it's all about setting him up for success. I love these speech delay videos, it's nice to see there are others going through the same thing. Sending you lots of hugs xxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Hazel Kjærsen omg what a rude and ridiculous person to make that kid of comment. Your children are so gorgeous; there’s a kind of awareness campaign at the moment here in England called “not all disabilities are visible” and it’s about mental health and other issues like speech probably fit into that. I find I explain it early now if I meet someone with Finn so they don’t feel awkward when he’s talking - that’s so hard with the signing. I guess it’s like taking away their dummy or moving them into big beds - it’s always so hard to take away for the bigger picture. It sounds totally the right thing for him though; and you’ll do it gently. You’re doing fantastic with your gorgeous kiddos - have you seen the movie Wonder?! I watched it with Freddie and Finn and it’s amazing about kindness and differences in children x

[@hazelkjrsen9568]

Thank you hon, you're kiddos are gorgeous too! Oh my goodness I was a mess watching Wonder, cried the whole way through. It really strikes a chord when you've got a child going through similar experiences. That sounds like a great campaign, all it takes is for people to think twice before speaking!x

[@myunconventionalfairytale2217]

I find people being insensitive and making comments quite difficult but my son is now 7 and his speech has come on so far! He will be ok, you're doing all the right things. I find that my son would get frustrated too when people didn't understand him, they can't help it but it does get better. It's nice to have another mummy to relate to as I felt very isolated and upset by it, it's great you are so open and you will help a lot of people and it's not your fault. School didn't work out for us, there is always the home education route, it helped him a lot X

[@SJ_Strum]

Oh wow well done for tackling home education; I feel right now that I'd be terrible at it!!! As I'm not firm enough even with practising the speech; if he closes down and doesn't want to do it I seem to just give in a bit vs risk upsetting him - which isn't good but it's just honestly what I do!!! It's such a hard thing to go through and I don't know anyone having the same issues; I'd love to know another local family with the same as feeling less alone helps so much. Online is the best place for me to find people - wish us luck for school!!!!! I'll let you know how we go x

[@myunconventionalfairytale2217]

+SJ Strum school will be ok don't worry, there were other reasons I chose to home educate not just because of the speech. School were helpful with letting the private speech therapist come to the school and take him out for lessons, I found teachers understanding. It does help when you can reach out to people going through the same thing x

[@jessicalouisehackney1776]

I have two autistic children, one of them also has GDD. Both have severe speech delay. I also have two more children who have severe speech delay & one of them is also ADHD. They have told me because my children are so close in age it’s come from one another. It’s so hard but it makes you feel so alone.

[@SJ_Strum]

Oh wow; I cannot imagine - you are supermum with so much on your plate. I never imagined it would come one from another; that's so interesting. I think all we can do some days is show up and show we care; it's such a tough job. Hang in there; they will always have each other for support and comfort which is a blessing too xxx

[@JKandCharlie]

You are the most lovely mama 💗

[@SJ_Strum]

Oh thanks Charlie - it's so hard as you feel all their issues so much but have to be the strong one - I'll be a total mess when he starts school. I really hope it goes easily x

[@elilamala4204]

Hi there mommy, im beginning to suspect that my son has speech delay as well he is going to turn 3 in December and he doesn’t say much or full sentences 😞 im starting to get emotional as well thinking maybe its my fault as well for being at work all the time since he turned one so now im very upset at my self because it’s true what you say school is hard and i don’t want him behind and getting his confidence down. Im going to search for speech therapist and hopefully start improving his speech soon.

[@a.r8461]

I promise, from a Reception teacher’s point of view, when Finn starts school his teacher will absolutely tune into him and give him the time he needs to express himself. His teacher will learn to understand the sounds that he replaces with the g sound to work out what he’s trying to say. If they pay any attention to their training they’ll have been given on S&L (and they will have been. It’s standard practice these days) theyll have lots of strategies in place like instead of asking him to repeat things the correct way they’ll model the right sounds for him and ask him lots of questions to give him opportunities to practise answer more questions to increase his confidence. They’ll be very sensitive. If they’re doing their job right they’ll help him fly academically, shine socially and increase his confidence. Wishing you lots and lots of love xxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Ah this is so so good to hear; I didn't know it was part of the training - I really hope he gets an amazing reception teacher. He's so smily and enthusiastic to share and talk; I just worry so much that he'll lose his confidence when I'm not with him. It's always the worry I guess; this actually makes me excited for him to start though!! I should reframe it as a great opportunity with experts and friends to improve his speech vs worrying so much that he'll get swallowed up x

[@a.r8461]

SJ Strum Agencies are so stretched these days and waiting lists are so long that schools haven’t had much choice but to train themselves up so they can help their children while they wait for agencies to get back to them. The Early Years curriculum is as much about nurture and confidence as it is about learning academic skills. I’m sure Finn’s teacher will love helping him. He’s such a happy chappy ☺️ I’d love to teach him! ☺️ xx

[@shelljennings956]

You are doing everything you can, you will be able to talk to his teacher one to one and explain all your fears ect. He is going to be on the SEN register and he will get extra help due to having speech therapy. My son has Autism and he does well at school and home is his safe place where frustration are vented so be prepared for distraction tactics and be his rock like you are now. He will get there in his own time xxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Thanks Shell; will he? Is SEN Special Needs? I really don't know how it works with schools - I need to research it more xxx

[@shelljennings956]

SJ Strum yes it does (special educational needs) and the person to speak to at the school is the senco (special educational needs coordinator) it would be great if you could get them and the school teacher together kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak. That way your anxieties and worries can be reduced leading up to him starting school. I'm sure as your already a parent there they could sort something out. Any other help I can give just shout xx

[@SJ_Strum]

Hmmmm yes I think I should do that; I wanted to wait until I got an offer as I didn't imagine they would spend their time on it before knowing he's going to that school; but think they come out this month so I can't wait to do that. Thanks so much x

[@JVCxo]

We're actually off to a speech therapy drop in clinic on Monday & bloody dreading it, so anxious! Do you have any tips about going to them?! Anything I need to prep?! 😫 xxx

[@SJ_Strum]

Phoebe & Me oh I never went to a drop in hon; but we always found the therapists so amazing and it was basically like going to a playgroup when we had the first nhs therapy. I don’t think you’ll need to prep anything; at his first assessment Finn sat on my lap and they played some games to see what words/letters he had and which he was missing. I found it so stressful and he got a bit anxious only right at the end and hid under the table! But I think I hadn’t prepared him and at 3.5 he was aware enough to know it was about his speech; so maybe tell her why you’re going if you think it will be the same?; let me know how it goes x

[@LisaTheLovelyLeo]

I am just beginning this journey with my son who just turned 2. We are waiting to get his heading test...I'm extremely scared as for his final diagnosis. My older one has a speech impediment so he can talk just cant pronounce all letters correct. My 2yr old is not talking at all.

[@Nicola-pd3fl]

My son has had adenoids and grommet surgery. He is going to start school in September he is 4 in July but isn't ready he can say a few words now but we re getting no help only goes speech therapy once. A month

[@rebeccasavva7819]

What an amazing mu you are! xx

[@lucichuwee_cood1124]

My cousin’s daughter is 2 years and she just knows to say mama and papa and they are super worried about her and they take her to hundred of speech therapists and psychologist and do stimulation (everything since she was around 15 months) she will be 2 years and 3 months this month (so around a year of treatment) she’s better but doesn’t talk, she just makes little noises They received mixed opinions about the autism topic She’s going to day care now and they waiting to see if there’s progress Some people believe it is because my cousin’s labor was too long (but no one confirm it)

[@SJ_Strum]

Wow I've never heard that it's linked to labour - bless her she must be feeling so worried. I hope the daycare does help with the assessment and whichever way it goes she sounds like she has the best family around her which is all a child needs I guess. It's a hard thing when your child can't communicate :-((( xx

[@kendralandry2969]

I'm in tears right now and speech therapy is not working need help or kind words I have no idea what to do

[@jessrose4301]

Your concern about school: make sure he's in the same school as Freddy. I had a little brother with a speech delay and then a speech impediment. I didn't let ANYONE pick on him. Also now he doesn't shut up and everyone can understand him perfectly :)

[@alisonhopper6724]

Don't know if you'll see this but please don't get upset. My son was the same , major speech delay. He was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at 10. He's now 31 and has a 2:1 degree in linguistics.

[@kymcoote4493]

Sending lots of love 💕💕💕

[@ancyt6]

Hi. I am from Ireland so please do not take my questions as rude. I just do not know how the system works in UK. Can you not just leave him home for another year? Can he not get an extension because of his problem? Or /and can you not find him a smaller school? Perhaps private since you mentioned private speech therapy?

[@SJ_Strum]

Yes we did consider keeping him in private with the smaller classes as his preschool is actually at a private school and he could go into reception there; but I don't love the school. I kind of feel he's better to get into my older sons school and make friends early so they accept him as he is and he grows with the class - I feel the experience could go either way...it's so so hard to decide. I'll wait to hear which school we get then speak to them and if I don't think it sounds good I'll maybe keep him in the private one a while longer. xxxx

[@ancyt6]

I understand now. Hope you will get him sorted in the best possible way for you. Finn is a lovely boy. xx

[@SariHei]

Finally getting around to watching. Crying watching this. 😪 My middle child has speech delay. He’s almost four and is only starting to form more sounds. He’s in speech therapy and gets special help in nursery. Thankfully school doesn’t start until age 7 here in Finland. Much love from me and my son to you and your son. 💙 You are a wonderful mother.

[@SJ_Strum]

Yes that's so good for him to already be having the speech therapy and have so long before school. It's very very emotional isn't it; it sounds like you've got all the support set up perfectly. Wish I could give you a big hug xxx

[@jennydurno1531]

Im worried my child has a speech delay. He only says dddddd dad & we have his big bro dylan. He could say mama when he was 7 months but has never said it in past 6 months or so. His babbling is dddd. He has said no a handful of times but not much. I do worry as he was resusitated at birth. He will be 2 in july. Has anyone else had simillar. My eldest was saying 3-5 words in a row by now at this age x

[@grahamdurno3721]

He has now being referred for speech and language therapy & is having a hearing test as I don’t think he can hear either 😓 I cry about 20 times a day

[@cherigreen4471]

I am a grandma and my best friend's son had very delayed speech. Because we were living out of the country for 4 yrs, I didn't meet him until he was 3. After interacting with him for a couple of hours I told my friend I think he is super smart. He is now a grown man with two young daughters and yes he is very smart and has perfect speech. Try not to worry because it does not reflect that he will not succeed in life. He seems very bright in your videos!

[@SJ_Strum]

Thank you Cheri - yes I hope this early struggle will be forgotten soon and I keep imagining he'll actually go on to do something using speech like having to present in his job; I was super shy when I was little and barely spoke outside of the house and now I do YOuTube!!! This is lovely to hear - thank you so much x

[@madelovinglycrochet]

❤️

[@beatrixedwards2911]

Have you looked into getting an intergration aid to sit with him at school?

[@SJ_Strum]

Not yet; I don't think he'll qualify as it's just a speech delay vs a learning issue but I'm going to enquire - my older son is already at the school and they do have a lot of support staff so we might be lucky. xx