Is Your Child Saying ‘Fing’ for ‘Thing’? Can they say ‘th’ sound? Understanding Speech Sound Development and When to Seek Help
Are you worried because your child is saying “fing” for “thing” or “dat” for “that”? The ‘th’ sound is one of the later-developing speech sounds in children. According to Speech Pathology Australia, children aren’t expected to say this sound correctly until around 8 years of age. Some children pick it up earlier, while others may take longer. If your child is struggling with this sound, don’t worry—it’s a normal part of speech development. However, understanding the general order of speech sound development can help you know when to seek help from a Speech Pathologist.
Speech Sound Development in Children: A Guide
Speech sound development starts in the first year of life and continues as your child grows. Here’s what you can expect at different stages:
Before 1 Year Old: The Babbling Stage
Babbling is a key part of early communication. From around 4 months, your baby will start experimenting with sounds. By 9 months, you should hear more variety in their babble, with sounds like:
- ‘b’, ‘m’, ‘w’
- Later sounds like ‘d’, ‘m’, ‘n’, ‘h’, ‘w’, ‘t’
These are often why early words are “mama” or “baba.” Babbling will start to sound more like real words, and your child may begin using single words, even if they are simplified (e.g., ‘dog’ becomes ‘do’ or ‘woo’).
1-3 Years: Big Developments in Speech Sounds
During the toddler years, your child’s vocabulary grows, and their speech becomes easier to understand. By the age of 3, 75% of your child’s speech should be understood by family and friends.
- At 2 years, they should be able to produce sounds like:
- ‘p’, ‘b’, ‘m’, ‘t’, ‘d’, ‘n’, ‘h’, ‘w’
- At 3 years, they should also add:
- ‘k’, ‘g’, ‘f’, ‘s’, ‘ng’
While they may still struggle with longer words (e.g., ‘hospital’) or consonant blends (e.g., ‘spoon’), this is age-appropriate.
3-5 Years: Refining Speech Sounds
Preschool years are a critical time for speech development. By the time they turn 5, your child’s speech should be understood almost all of the time, even by unfamiliar listeners. They will start to use more complex word structures and consonant clusters.
- At 4-4.5 years, expect to hear:
- ‘y’, ‘s’, ‘z’, ‘ch’, ‘sh’, ‘l’, ‘j’
- They should also be using consonant clusters (e.g., ‘spider’, not ‘bider’) and pronouncing multisyllabic words more accurately (e.g., ‘banana’ instead of ‘nana’).
5 Years and Beyond: Mastering Speech Sounds
By the time your child starts school, they should be using most speech sounds correctly. This is essential for their literacy development, as mispronouncing sounds can affect spelling and reading.
- By age 6, your child should be able to say ‘r’ and ‘v’ correctly.
- By age 8, they should consistently produce the ‘th’ sound.
If your child struggles with these sounds beyond these ages, it may be time to see a Speech Pathologist to assess their speech development.
When to Seek Help from a Speech Pathologist
If your child isn’t producing the expected sounds for their age, it’s important to consult a Speech Pathologist. In some cases, children may need a hearing test to ensure they are hearing sounds correctly, as hearing difficulties can impact speech development.
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, our Speech Pathologists—who are members of Speech Pathology Australia—are experienced in assessing and treating speech sound delays. We offer tailored therapy to help your child develop the skills they need to communicate effectively.
For more information on speech development, visit Speech Pathology Australia for helpful fact sheets.
We’re Here to Support You
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive. Our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics are spaces where children can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. We combine innovative therapy techniques with a stimulating and supportive environment, offering a holistic approach to paediatric therapy.
Reach Out for Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech and language development or want to learn more about how Speech Pathology can help, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to support you.
- Call our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics at (02) 8065 7837 or email us.
- Book a phone consultation to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey.
Let us help your child develop the communication skills they need to succeed.
