While speech therapy often focuses on professional sessions and structured goals, some of the richest language development happens between siblings. Whether they’re playing, helping each other, or just having fun at home, siblings can be powerful partners in speech and communication growth.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we often encourage families to involve siblings in the speech therapy process. Why? Because children learn best from people they love and trust—and siblings bring unique opportunities for connection, cooperation, and conversation.

How Siblings Help with Speech and Language Development

Unlike adults, siblings naturally speak at a similar level, share play styles, and interact frequently throughout the day. This creates ideal conditions for learning language in meaningful and enjoyable ways.

Here are some benefits of sibling interaction in speech development:

  • Peer modeling: Younger children often copy older siblings’ speech patterns

  • Natural conversation: Daily chatting, teasing, and storytelling build language flow

  • Motivation to communicate: Children often try harder to talk when engaging with a sibling

  • Turn-taking and sharing: Essential skills for both social and speech development

  • Creative pretend play: Builds narrative, vocabulary, and expressive language

These sibling moments support exactly what therapists aim to develop—without the child even realizing they’re learning.

Encouraging Speech-Friendly Sibling Interaction at Home

You don’t need to assign roles or create formal tasks. Just foster the natural moments already happening at home, and add a little structure when needed.

Try these tips:

  • Set up joint activities: Drawing, building, pretend play, or braiding hair (like in the photo!)

  • Encourage talking during play: Ask each child to explain what they’re doing

  • Use shared story time: Let siblings take turns reading or retelling stories

  • Assign “teaching” roles: Let older siblings model new words or concepts

  • Celebrate teamwork: Praise not just speech, but cooperation and connection

Even helping each other with small tasks—like picking outfits, tidying toys, or caring for a doll—becomes an opportunity for speech development.

How OrbRom Supports Families and Siblings

At OrbRom Center, our speech therapists don’t work in isolation. We often invite siblings to join sessions or observe how they interact at home. In some cases, we even coach older siblings to use prompts or games that support the speech goals of their younger brother or sister.

In our Phnom Penh center, we’re not just building words—we’re building family connections that last a lifetime.

👉 Learn more about our Speech Therapy Services

We are the only Preschool specialized on children with special needs in PhnomPenh.

  • Internationally qualified teachers
  • Cambodia’s largest sensory room
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Covered outdoor playground

 📞 Phone: 077.455.993
Telegram Link: https://t.me/OrbRom