Decoding Hard Words for Kids to Say

Table of Contents

1. Why Are Some Words So Hard for Kids to Say?
2. Common “Hard Words” Categories & Challenges
3. The Speech Blubs Approach: Turning “Hard” into “Fun”
4. Practical Strategies for Parents at Home
5. Why Choose Speech Blubs for Your Child’s Journey
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Has your child ever stopped mid-sentence, stumbled over a word, or substituted a sound, leaving you to wonder if their speech development is on track? Perhaps they know exactly what they want to say, but the words just don’t come out right, leading to frustration for both of you. It’s a common scenario for many parents, and often, the words giving children the most trouble aren’t necessarily the longest or most academic, but those with tricky sounds, irregular spellings, or even those that just sound similar to others. Understanding why some words are particularly “hard” for kids to say is the first step toward building confident, joyful communicators.

At Speech Blubs, we understand these challenges deeply. Our mission is to empower children to speak their minds and hearts, and our company was born from the personal experiences of our founders, who all grew up with speech problems and created the tool they wished they had. We know that every child’s journey is unique, and that’s why we’re committed to providing an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various reasons why certain words pose a challenge for children, offer practical strategies you can use at home, and show how Speech Blubs blends scientific principles with play to turn “hard” words into fun learning opportunities. Ready to embark on this journey with us? Download Speech Blubs today to begin making a difference.

Why Are Some Words So Hard for Kids to Say?

The English language is wonderfully rich but notoriously complex. For young children, who are still developing their foundational language skills, navigating its intricacies can be a minefield of challenges. The “hardness” of a word isn’t just about its length or obscurity; it’s often tied to a child’s developmental stage and the specific sounds or patterns within the word.

Developmental Milestones and Speech Sound Acquisition

Children acquire speech sounds in a predictable sequence, but the timing can vary. Sounds like ‘m’, ‘b’, ‘p’ (bilabial sounds made with both lips) are usually mastered early, often by age two. More complex sounds, such as ‘r’, ‘l’, ‘th’, and ‘s’ blends, take longer and might not be fully developed until age five, six, or even seven. When a child struggles with a word, it’s often because it contains sounds that are not yet firmly established in their repertoire.

For example, a child who hasn’t mastered the ‘r’ sound might say “wabbit” instead of “rabbit.” This isn’t a sign of intelligence but simply a stage of phonological development. Similarly, consonant clusters (two or more consonants together, like ‘st’ in “street” or ‘bl’ in “blue”) can be particularly challenging. Trying to articulate “squirrel” or “broccoli” requires precise coordination of the tongue, lips, and breath that younger children are still perfecting.

The Role of Phonemes and Articulation

Every word is made up of individual sound units called phonemes. Articulation refers to the clear pronunciation of these sounds. Some words are difficult because they involve phonemes that require precise tongue placement, lip movement, or breath control.

Consider words with the ‘th’ sound, like “the” or “thought.” These often become ‘d’ or ‘f’ sounds, turning “the” into “duh” or “thought” into “fought.” The ‘s’ sound can also be tricky, especially when it appears multiple times in a word or in combination with other sibilant sounds, as seen in words like “senses,” “assassin,” or “specificities.” For children with a lisp, these ‘s’ and ‘c’ (soft ‘c’) sounds can be especially problematic, often emerging as a ‘th’ or ‘sh’ sound. Imagine the difficulty with “statistician,” where closely-quartered ‘s’ and ‘c’ sounds create a significant hurdle.

Vocabulary vs. Pronunciation: Knowing the Difference

It’s important to distinguish between a child not knowing what a word means (a vocabulary challenge) and a child knowing a word but struggling to say it correctly (a pronunciation/articulation challenge). Both contribute to a word being “hard.”

• Vocabulary Challenges: A child might encounter a word like “abundant” or “bewilder” in a book. They might understand the context but still not grasp the precise meaning, or be unable to use it correctly in their own speech. Expanding vocabulary involves understanding definitions, synonyms, and how words are used in sentences.
• Pronunciation Challenges: A child might know exactly what “comfortable” means but struggle with the ‘um-fuhr’ sequence, or they might try to say “February” but pronounce it as “Feb-yoo-airy.” Here, the issue is motor planning for speech, not comprehension.

At Speech Blubs, we address both, building not just articulation skills but also a rich, functional vocabulary through engaging, context-rich activities designed to help children connect sounds with meaning. Our unique video modeling methodology provides clear visual and auditory examples, making it easier for children to imitate and master new words. Learn more about our research-backed approach.

Common “Hard Words” Categories & Challenges

Let’s dive into specific categories of words that often trip children up, exploring why they’re challenging and how targeted practice can help.

Words with Tricky Sounds (Phonological Challenges)

These are words where specific phonemes or sound combinations are difficult for developing vocal tracts.

• S-blends and “th” Sounds: Words like “clothes,” “months,” “squirrel,” “specific,” “senses,” “assassin,” and “Mississippi” are packed with ‘s’ and ‘th’ sounds that require precise tongue placement. For a child working on their ‘s’ sound, imitating peers clearly saying “silly” or “snake” in our app’s “Silly Sounds” section can be incredibly effective. The visual cues from our video modeling methodology help children see how the sound is made, reinforcing correct articulation.
• R and L Sounds: Many children substitute ‘w’ for ‘r’ (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”) or ‘y’ for ‘l’ (e.g., “yion” for “lion”). Words like “broccoli,” “library,” “athlete,” and “February” are often mispronounced due to these challenging sounds. Our app features dedicated sound sections that allow children to practice ‘r’ and ‘l’ sounds in isolation and within words, guided by positive peer examples. For a parent whose 4-year-old says “bwown” instead of “brown,” the “R Fun” section offers playful activities where children watch and imitate their peers saying words with the ‘r’ sound, turning frustration into a joyful learning experience.
• Multisyllabic Words: Longer words can be overwhelming. “Comfortable,” “vegetable,” “animal,” and “happening” are common words that can sound garbled when a child struggles to sequence multiple syllables. Our app emphasizes clear, slow articulation of words, often breaking them down for easier imitation. When a child sees other kids articulate a word like “banana” syllable by syllable, it becomes less daunting.
• Words with Silent Letters or Irregular Spellings: English is full of surprises! Words like “knight,” “debt,” “aisle,” “colonel,” “isle,” “bury,” “bouquet,” “hour,” “knew,” “know,” “read,” and “write” often confuse children because their spelling doesn’t directly reflect their pronunciation. While primarily an articulation and language app, Speech Blubs builds a strong foundation in phonological awareness, which helps children recognize sound patterns even in irregularly spelled words. Our interactive stories and themed activities provide exposure to these words in context, helping children link the spoken word to its meaning.

Vocabulary Challenges (Meaning & Usage)

Beyond pronunciation, understanding the meaning and correct usage of words is crucial for fluent communication. Many words are “hard” because they represent abstract concepts or are simply less common in everyday conversation.

• Abstract Concepts: Words like “empathy,” “justice,” “curiosity,” or “resilient” can be hard for kids because they don’t refer to tangible objects. Learning these words requires context and discussion.
• Less Common or Academic Words: While we might not expect toddlers to master “ephemeral” or “epistemology,” older children preparing for school may encounter words like “abrupt,” “bewilder,” “candid,” “daring,” “elaborate,” “fascinate,” “generous,” “jaded,” “keen,” “lavish,” “malicious,” “naive,” “oblivious,” “peculiar,” “quench,” “radiant,” “serene,” “tactful,” “unanimous,” “vibrant,” “whimsical,” and “zealous.” These words, often found in books or educational settings, enrich a child’s expressive language.
  • For a parent whose 6-year-old loves animals and is curious about new facts, the “Animal Kingdom” section in Speech Blubs can introduce words like “nocturnal” or “herbivore” through engaging peer videos and interactive quizzes, reinforcing both pronunciation and meaning. When a child sees other kids pretend to be an “enormous” elephant, they internalize the word’s meaning more effectively than just hearing a definition.
• Words from the provided A-Z list: The vast list of words provided, from “abandon” to “zealous,” highlights the sheer volume of vocabulary children need to master. Speech Blubs integrates new vocabulary into thematic categories and interactive stories, ensuring children learn words in a meaningful context, not just in isolation.

Homophones and Homonyms (Confusion Challenges)

These words sound alike but have different meanings or spellings, making them particularly confusing for young learners.

• Common Culprits: “There, their, they’re,” “to, too, two,” “hear, here,” “know, no,” “sea, see,” “write, right,” “for, four,” “our, hour,” and “your, you’re” are classic examples that can lead to errors in both spoken and written language.
• Extensive List of Homophones: The provided list of homophones (“aid/aide,” “air/heir,” “allowed/aloud,” “altar/alter,” “arc/ark,” “ascent/assent,” “assistance/assistants,” “ate/eight,” etc.) illustrates just how many words can cause confusion. While Speech Blubs primarily focuses on articulation and expressive language, activities that involve storytelling and sentence building can implicitly help children differentiate these words by their context. For instance, a child might see peers acting out a “tale” (story) versus a “tail” (of an animal), helping them grasp the distinction.

The beauty of our app is that it’s not just about repeating sounds; it’s about building comprehensive communication skills. Through “smart screen time” experiences, we provide a screen-free alternative to passive viewing (like cartoons) and a powerful tool for family connection, where you can explore and practice these challenging words together. Learn more about Speech Blubs and our engaging activities.

The Speech Blubs Approach: Turning “Hard” into “Fun”

At Speech Blubs, we believe that learning to communicate should be an immediate, effective, and joyful experience. Our approach is rooted in scientific principles, blending them with the magic of play to create a one-of-a-kind learning environment for children.

Video Modeling: The Power of Peer Learning

Our core methodology is “video modeling.” We teach complex communication skills by having children learn by watching and imitating their peers. Why is this so effective?

• Mirror Neurons: When children observe other kids speaking, their “mirror neurons” in the brain activate, helping them unconsciously mimic and learn. This natural, intuitive process makes learning feel less like a chore and more like play.
• Relatability: Children relate better to other children than to adults. Seeing a peer successfully articulate a tricky word or use a new phrase provides a tangible, achievable example.
• Visual and Auditory Cues: Our videos offer clear visual cues (lip movements, tongue placement) alongside auditory examples, reinforcing correct pronunciation in a way that mere audio cannot.

For instance, if your child struggles with the ‘ch’ sound in “children” or “chocolate,” they can watch a peer clearly forming the sound in our app’s “Sounds” sections, then practice along. This active imitation is far more impactful than passively listening to an adult.

Interactive Learning: Beyond Passive Viewing

Unlike passive screen time with cartoons, Speech Blubs is highly interactive. Children don’t just watch; they engage, imitate, and participate.

• Facial Filters and Fun Effects: Our app uses augmented reality (AR) facial filters that transform children into animals or characters, making articulation practice incredibly fun and motivating. Imagine practicing ‘s’ sounds while pretending to be a snake, or working on ‘b’ sounds as a bouncing frog!
• Engaging Activities: From “Animal Kingdom” to “Guess the Word” and “Reading Blubs” (exclusive to the Yearly plan!), our app offers diverse activities that keep children engaged and eager to learn. This sustained engagement is key to building consistent practice and making progress.
• Practice with Real Kids: The heart of our app is the community of real children, just like yours, who demonstrate the words and sounds. This unique social learning environment makes communication development feel less like therapy and more like playing with friends.

Relatable Scenarios with Speech Blubs

Let’s look at how Speech Blubs helps with some of the “hard words” we’ve discussed:

• Scenario 1: Mastering Tricky Sounds (like ‘S’ and ‘Th’) For a parent whose 5-year-old child avoids words with ‘s’ or ‘th’ sounds, often saying “f” or “d” instead, Speech Blubs offers targeted support. In our “Sounds” section, dedicated to specific phonemes, the child can select the ‘S’ or ‘TH’ sound. They then watch videos of other children clearly articulating words like “sun,” “six,” “thank you,” or “three.” The facial filters can turn their face into a playful character, making the repetitive practice needed for these sounds much more enjoyable. This visual and auditory modeling helps them refine their tongue placement and breath control for accurate pronunciation. If you’re wondering if your child could benefit, take our quick 3-minute preliminary screener to get a simple assessment and a free 7-day trial.
• Scenario 2: Building Confidence with Multisyllabic Words Imagine a 4-year-old who understands words like “elephant” or “comfortable” but struggles to say them smoothly, often dropping syllables. In Speech Blubs, these words appear in our themed sections like “Animal Kingdom” or “Around the House.” Children see peers saying “el-e-phant” or “com-fort-a-ble” slowly and clearly. The app encourages imitation, and the interactive nature means the child is actively trying to produce the sounds, receiving positive reinforcement. This breakdown into manageable chunks, coupled with peer modeling, demystifies long words and builds confidence.
• Scenario 3: Expanding Vocabulary and Comprehension For a child who is a “late talker” at age 3 and is just starting to connect words with objects, the “My Body” or “Animal Kingdom” sections are perfect. If they encounter a word like “gigantic” in a story, Speech Blubs offers visual context and peer examples. Children watch others point to a “gigantic” dinosaur or make a “gigantic” gesture, associating the word with its meaning through action and clear speech. This helps build a rich vocabulary where understanding goes hand-in-hand with pronunciation. Many parents have shared their success stories; read inspiring testimonials from other parents to see how Speech Blubs has helped their children.

Our founders, having navigated their own speech challenges, designed Speech Blubs to be the immediate, effective, and joyful solution they wished they had. We prioritize smart screen time that serves as a powerful tool for family connection, not just a passive activity.

Practical Strategies for Parents at Home

While Speech Blubs is a powerful tool, your involvement as a parent is invaluable. Here are some strategies you can use at home to support your child’s communication development:

1. Read Aloud Regularly: This is one of the best ways to expose children to new vocabulary and correct pronunciation. Point to words as you read, discuss meanings, and make different voices for characters to keep it engaging. Don’t shy away from books with more complex words; exposure is key!
2. Model Correct Speech: When your child mispronounces a word, gently repeat it correctly without making them feel wrong. For example, if they say “wabbit,” you can respond, “Yes, a rabbit! Rabbits are so fluffy.” Avoid demanding they “say it again correctly” as this can create pressure and anxiety.
3. Engage in Fun Word Games:
   • Rhyming Games: Help children recognize sound patterns (e.g., “cat, hat, sat”).
   • “I Spy” with Sounds: “I spy something that starts with the ‘t’ sound” helps them isolate initial phonemes.
   • Category Games: “Let’s name all the animals that start with ‘b’!” (bear, bird, butterfly).
   • Storytelling: Encourage your child to create their own stories, building their narrative skills and providing opportunities to use new vocabulary.
4. Practice Minimal Pairs: For children struggling with specific sound substitutions (e.g., ‘t’ for ‘k’), practice “minimal pairs” – words that differ by only one sound, like “tea” and “key.” This helps them hear and produce the distinction.
5. Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Learning new words and sounds takes time and effort. Celebrate every small victory, provide encouragement, and maintain a supportive, low-pressure environment. A child who feels safe and loved is more likely to take risks and try new words.
6. Focus on Communication, Not Perfection: The goal is for your child to communicate effectively and confidently. While clear speech is important, prioritize their desire to express themselves over perfect articulation at every turn. Gradually, with consistent practice, their speech will become clearer.
7. When to Seek Professional Help: While many children naturally outgrow minor speech difficulties, it’s wise to consult a speech-language pathologist if:
   • Your child is frequently misunderstood by others outside the family.
   • They are noticeably frustrated by their inability to communicate.
   • You observe persistent sound substitutions or omissions beyond the typical age for mastery (e.g., a 6-year-old still struggling significantly with ‘r’ or ‘s’).
   • There’s a significant delay in their expressive or receptive language compared to peers.

Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference. If you have concerns, our preliminary screener is a great starting point for assessing your child’s speech development and can offer guidance on next steps.

Why Choose Speech Blubs for Your Child’s Journey

At Speech Blubs, we are more than just an app; we are a dedicated partner in your child’s communication journey. Our founders’ personal experiences with speech challenges ignited the vision for a tool that genuinely helps children “speak their minds and hearts.” We know firsthand the immense impact confident communication has on a child’s self-esteem and future success.

We’ve harnessed the power of science, specifically the principles of video modeling and the activation of mirror neurons, to create a solution that is not only highly effective but also incredibly engaging and joyful. We are rated among the top-tier speech apps worldwide on the MARS scale for scientific methodology and effectiveness. Our commitment is to provide an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support, transforming screen time into “smart screen time” that truly educates and connects families.

Unbeatable Value: Choose the Yearly Plan

We offer transparent pricing to ensure you find the plan that best fits your family’s needs, but we strongly encourage our Yearly plan for the best value and comprehensive experience.

• Monthly Plan: For $14.99 per month, you get access to the core Speech Blubs app. This plan is a good option if you want to try it out for a short period, but it does not include all the premium features.
• Yearly Plan: The Best Choice for Comprehensive Growth
  • Price: At just $59.99 per year, this plan breaks down to an incredible value of only $4.99 per month. That’s a 66% savings compared to the monthly plan!
  • Exclusive Features Included:
    • 7-Day Free Trial: Experience the full power of Speech Blubs before you commit.
    • Reading Blubs App: Unlock our companion reading app, an invaluable tool for literacy development, seamlessly integrated to support holistic language learning.
    • Early Access to New Updates: Be the first to enjoy new features, activities, and content.
    • 24-Hour Support Response Time: Get your questions answered quickly and efficiently by our dedicated support team.

The Monthly plan does not include these invaluable benefits. By choosing the Yearly plan, you’re not just saving money; you’re investing in a complete, feature-rich ecosystem designed to support your child’s speech and language development across multiple fronts.

Ready to see the difference Speech Blubs can make in your child’s life? Create your account and begin your 7-day free trial today by selecting the Yearly plan to unlock all these amazing benefits!

Conclusion

Navigating the world of “hard words” is a significant part of every child’s development journey. Whether it’s the tricky articulation of certain sounds, the sheer volume of new vocabulary, or the subtle nuances of homophones, these challenges are a normal, albeit sometimes frustrating, part of learning to communicate. By understanding the underlying reasons for these difficulties and implementing supportive strategies at home, you can empower your child to overcome these hurdles with confidence and joy.

At Speech Blubs, we are committed to making this journey as fun and effective as possible. Our unique video modeling methodology, rooted in scientific principles and delivered through engaging, interactive play, provides children with the tools they need to articulate clearly, expand their vocabulary, and express themselves fully. We believe every child deserves the chance to speak their mind and hearts, and we’ve built Speech Blubs to be the immediate, effective, and joyful solution to help them do just that.

Don’t let speech challenges hold your child back. Take the first step towards unlocking their full communication potential. Download Speech Blubs from the App Store or Google Play and sign up for your free 7-day trial today! Remember to choose the Yearly plan to get the best value, including the Reading Blubs app and all exclusive features, ensuring your child receives the most comprehensive support on their path to confident communication.

FAQ

Q1: What are the main signs that my child is struggling with “hard words”?

A1: Common signs include frequent mispronunciations of certain sounds or words, noticeably slower speech compared to peers, frustration when trying to speak, difficulty being understood by others, or using a limited vocabulary when they clearly understand more. If you notice your child consistently substituting sounds (e.g., “w” for “r,” “f” for “th”), or struggling with multi-syllable words past the age of 4-5, it might be time for a closer look.

Q2: How does Speech Blubs specifically help with pronunciation challenges like lisps or ‘r’ sounds?

A2: Speech Blubs utilizes “video modeling” where children watch and imitate other children articulating sounds and words. For pronunciation challenges like lisps (difficulty with ‘s’ or ‘z’ sounds) or ‘r’ sounds, our app has dedicated “Sounds” sections. Your child can focus on the specific sound, observe the lip and tongue movements of peers in clear video demonstrations, and then practice imitating them with fun, interactive filters. This visual and auditory reinforcement helps them learn correct articulation in an engaging way.

Q3: Is using Speech Blubs beneficial screen time, or just more screen time for my child?

A3: Speech Blubs is designed to be “smart screen time.” Unlike passive screen time with cartoons, our app is highly interactive and purpose-driven. Children are actively engaged in imitating, speaking, and learning, not just watching. It transforms screen time into a structured, educational, and fun activity that supports speech and language development, fostering active participation rather than passive viewing. It’s a powerful tool for family connection, encouraging co-play and shared learning moments.

Q4: When should I consider professional speech therapy in addition to using Speech Blubs?

A4: Speech Blubs is a powerful supplemental tool for speech and language development, but it’s not a replacement for professional therapy when significant delays or disorders are present. You should consider consulting a speech-language pathologist if your child’s speech is consistently unclear to people outside the family, if they show significant frustration with communication, if they’re not meeting typical developmental milestones for their age, or if you have any persistent concerns about their speech development. Our preliminary screener can also provide an initial assessment and guide you on potential next steps.