Speech sound guide · /r/ as in “red”
My child can’t say the R sound
Published · Updated
The short answer
R is one of the last sounds children learn. In a large review of US studies, 90% of children said R correctly by about 5 years 7 months, so a younger child saying “wabbit” is common. If your child is past that age and still swaps or distorts R, it’s worth asking a speech-language pathologist (SLP).
Most children say it by about 5½ (90% by 5 years 7 months)
How the R sound is made
R is tricky because the tongue does its work out of sight: it bunches up or curls back while the sides press against the upper back teeth, and the lips round a little. Children can’t copy what they can’t see, which is part of why R comes late.
Common ways children say it differently
- Uses “w” instead of R
- “wabbit” for rabbit, “wed” for red. Called gliding; very common in young children.
- A distorted R
- The R sounds more like “uh” or “oo” (“caw” for car). Often lasts longer than gliding and is a common reason older children see an SLP.
What the age means, and what it doesn’t
“90% by 5 years 7 months” means that in the pooled studies, nine in ten children said R correctly by that age. About one in ten children who are developing typically get there later, so it’s a guide for when to ask, not a deadline. Ages come from US children learning English.
When to ask a speech therapist about R
- Your child is past about about 5½ and still swaps or distorts R.
- People outside the family often find your child hard to understand, or your child is frustrated or teased about how they talk.
- You’re worried. You don’t need to wait for a set age to ask.
More signs: Does my child need speech therapy? In the US, you can ask for a free speech evaluation, or find a certified SLP through ASHA ProFind.
R practice words
At the start
red, rabbit, rain, rocket
In the middle
carrot, parrot, zero, around
At the end
car, star, door, bear
Use the words your child’s SLP picks first. For keeping practice low-pressure, see how to help at home, and for why a sound can work in sessions before it shows up in conversation, see carryover.
Questions parents ask about R
Is it normal for a 5-year-old to say “w” for R?
Yes, it can be. R is learned late: in the 2020 review of US studies, 90% of children said it correctly by about 5 years 7 months. If it continues past that, ask an SLP.
Will my child grow out of a distorted R?
Some children do, but distorted R can persist into the school years without help. An SLP can tell you whether to wait or start practice.
How long should we practise each day?
There’s no single recommended amount. Short sessions are easier for most children than one long one, and praising the effort matters more than getting every word right. Follow your SLP’s plan.