When Should My Child Say the R Sound?

"We were told to wait until age 8 or 9." It's one of the most common things families hear about the R sound — and it's based on outdated research. This guide shares what today's studies actually show about /r/ development, helps you understand your child's speech, and clears up when it truly makes sense to seek an evaluation (spoiler: earlier than many people think).

Inside you'll find: the current research on when /r/ is typically acquired (based on Crowe & McLeod, 2020); why the sound matters so much for being understood; how development varies child to child; when to consider an evaluation; what an SLP looks at in preschoolers; why R is so hard to teach at home; a "do / avoid" guide for parents; a myths-vs-facts section; and reassurance that an evaluation doesn't automatically mean therapy. Print-ready PDF, US Letter.