Pronunciation - should I be worried

[EggsAreNotFromCows]

My 3yo is pretty articulate but cannot pronounce L. He says y instead, so "Yeyo" for yellow and "yoyeeice" for lollyice. It's not just as he talks quickly, I've tried to get him to copy me saying "L" on its own as part of a game and he really can't seem to form the sound.

Should I worry or is he likely to just pick it up?

[mycrazytoddler]

I dont think you need to worry about it, my niece is exactly the same (will be 4 yrs old in July) with various letters...... 'R' is pronounced 'W' , 'J' is pronounced 'D' etc etc.
Preschool are not overly concerned, they believe it will improve with age/ time, however, because she is due to go to primary school in Sept they advised that she is seen by a speech specialist, the GP made the referral upon mums request......no harm in seeing what they advise?!
Does your DS attend PreSchool or nursery? Have they mentioned any concerns? If not, speak to Health Visitor......they'd be able to give you info!!

[LucyBabs]

My ds is 3 and a half. He pronounces his R's as W's. Today he told me I am his best fwiend

His speech is great and he has spoken really from a young age, thanks to his older chatter box sister!

It concerns me sometimes but he's not due to start school till 2016 so if this time next year theres no change I'll speak with the hv

HTH

[EggsAreNotFromCows]

Thanks, good ideas. He's at preschool so I'll see what they think, and maybe have a word with HV. I have a 5yo but I can't remember what his pronunciation was like at this age :)

[TeenAndTween]

Some sounds take longer for children to learn than others. Definitely check with pre-school as they will know whether there is cause for concern.

When you are trying to get him to copy you, are you telling him where to put his tongue?

Can he hear the difference between the sounds? When DD2 did SALT that was one of the things they checked.

[ragged]

it's pretty normal, usually sorts itself. There are diagnostic criteria for when speech therapy will be offered, he doesn't tick the boxes yet. No point in worrying!