Should I Worry If My 5-Year-Old Mispronounces Certain Sounds?

When Speech Sounds Don’t Come Easily: Understanding What’s Normal

If you're the parent of a bright, curious 5-year-old who still stumbles over some words, know this: you're not alone. At age five, many children are still refining their speech and mastering sounds like "r," "th," or even "s." The question isn’t necessarily if they say certain sounds incorrectly—but what else might (or might not) be happening alongside it.

In the whirlwind of kindergarten readiness and early learning milestones, your child’s speech may occasionally be a source of concern. But developmental variation is wide, and articulatory maturation doesn’t always follow a tidy timeline. So let’s take a breath and explore—gently, thoughtfully—what might be going on.

Speech Development at Age 5: What Can You Expect?

By age five, most children have a solid foundation in everyday speech. They typically can hold conversations, tell simple stories, and be understood about 90% of the time by people outside the family. But some speech sounds, especially the trickier ones like “r,” “l,” “s,” “sh,” “ch,” and “th,” may still not come out quite right.

This doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem. Language development is a process—and a complex one. What matters more is the overall intelligibility of your child’s speech and whether their communication skills are progressing in a natural way. If you're unsure how language typically evolves at this age, here's a helpful article on understanding language development stages from ages 3 to 12.

Signs That Might Warrant a Closer Look

While a lisp or an occasional mispronounced sound isn’t alarming on its own, there are a few signals that might indicate your child could benefit from additional support:

• Your child struggles to be understood even by familiar adults by age five.
• They avoid talking in group settings or show frustration when speaking.
• You notice regression or a decline in clarity over time.
• There’s a family history of speech or language disorders.

It’s important not to panic, but keeping an eye on these tendencies can help you make informed decisions. And if you’re not sure what counts as a red flag, you might want to explore our guide on when to worry (and what to do) about language delays in young children.

What Can Parents Do at Home (That Actually Helps)?

Speech clarity doesn’t develop in isolation—it's nurtured through playful interaction, exposure to rich language, and the rhythm of everyday conversations. If your child is struggling with certain sounds, consider creating a supportive space for language learning at home. Not with drills or pressure, but with meaningful, consistent engagement.

Here’s how that might look in your daily routine:

• Model correct speech gently. If your child says “thnake” for “snake,” respond affirmatively but with the correct pronunciation: “Yes! That’s a big snake!” No correction needed—just exposure.
• Make language a shared adventure. Read stories together, play with rhyming words, make up funny songs. This invites natural repetition and attention to sound.

Use storytelling and audio-rich play. Listening to well-crafted audio stories can deepen phonemic awareness and build vocabulary. The iOS and Android versions of the LISN Kids App offer wonderful age-appropriate audiobooks and audio series for children aged 3-12. Their engaging stories help kids develop listening comprehension and language rhythm naturally.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of low-pressure play. Our article on educational language games highlights several enjoyable ways to nurture articulation and confidence without it feeling like extra work.

When—and Whether—to Seek Professional Help

Not every misarticulated sound calls for speech therapy. However, if your child starts school and struggles to be understood by peers or teachers, or if articulation difficulties appear to persist into age six or beyond without signs of improvement, a screening by a licensed speech-language pathologist can be reassuring.

Even if your child ends up not needing therapy, a professional evaluation can help you make sure nothing is overlooked. Sometimes, small early adjustments can prevent larger frustrations later on.

Above All, Keep Communication Positive

Here’s what matters more than perfect pronunciation: that your child feels heard, valued, and encouraged to keep talking. When we focus too tightly on their mistakes, it can shrink their confidence. Instead, affirm what they’re doing right, celebrate their expressive achievements, and provide a language-rich environment that invites them to explore speech joyfully.

If you’re looking for gentle ways to continue supporting their language at home, these five simple ideas might offer some inspiration. And for the long term? Keep speaking with your child, reading with them, and listening to the incredible things they have to say—even if a few sounds are still finding their way.