Five Tips to Support Vocal Hygiene at Home

Written by Grandview Kids Speech-Language Pathologist, Rikki

Maintaining vocal health is important for everyone, especially in busy, active households. Whether your child or youth is learning to communicate or just loves chatting and singing, caring for their voices can make a big difference. Here are five simple tips to help you practice vocal hygiene at home.

1. Stay hydrated!

Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Try to limit caffeinated beverages, as they can dehydrate the vocal cords.

2. Incorporate voice breaks

Resting the voice is essential for preventing vocal fatigue. Encourage your child to engage in quiet activities that don’t require speaking.

3. Reduce background noise

Talking over background noise, like the TV or music, can lead to vocal strain. Turn off or lower the volume when speaking with your child.

4. Practice good posture

Proper posture allows for better airflow and more efficient voice production. Encourage your child to sit up straight when speaking.

5. Speak from an appropriate distance

Practice speaking with your child from a reasonable distance rather than from different rooms or floors of the house.