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Voice care for children

Most children develop voice disorders due to overuse or misuse of their voice. The following behaviours are common in children with voice disorders.

Damaging vocal behaviours to watch out for in your child

  • Throat clearing and/or coughing (may be secondary to allergies, illness, etc.)
  • Excessive crying or tantrums
  • Speaking loudly or yelling frequently
  • Excessive talking
  • Singing
  • Making sound effects or funny voices in play.

Some factors which may contribute to a decreased voice quality but may not be as apparent

  • Hearing loss
  • Medications
  • Chronic asthma and/or allergies
  • Gastric reflux
  • Dehydration of the vocal folds (can be from drinking fizzy drinks or not enough water).

The practise of vocal hygiene is a combination of preventative steps aimed at protecting your child’s voice.

  • Encouraging some quiet time each day to allow the  voice to rest
  • As a family try not to interrupt each other in group conversations. Take turns!
  • Turn down (or turn off) the car radio or TV – when there is a lot of background noise, we automatically speak more loudly
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids, water preferably, to keep their throat and mouth moist (avoid any drinks with caffeine e.g. coke or energy drinks)
  • If your child feels the need to cough or clear his/her throat, encourage them to take a sip of water instead
  • Encourage your child to slow down and breathe when speaking to avoid straining their voice
  • Education of sibling(s) for support
  • Try to model a healthy voice for your child, speak at a comfortable volume without strain. Avoid speaking loudly or shouting
  • Try to reduce your child’s singing levels until their voice has returned back to normal
  • Encourage your child to use an ‘indoor voice’ to reduce levels of shouting. Avoid calling out to each other from room to room
  • Try to reduce the level of silly noises your child makes e.g. monster and animal sounds
  • Ask your child to use their voice quietly but avoid whispering which can increase vocal strain.
     

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Speech and language therapy service.

About this information

Service:
Speech and language therapy

Reference:
VV/041

Approval date:
27 September 2024

Review date:
1 September 2027

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.