Toddler Speech Problems

"Children with marked expressive speech/language impairments commonly develop behavior problems in preschool or other settings, including hitting and biting," says Harrison. "They resort to physical means to control the environment."

Speech delays or problems should be addressed early. Allowing speech problems to continue can lower a child's self-confidence, hampering emotional growth. If your child isn't progressing in speech development, seek advice from your pediatrician. "If the child's physician doesn't seem receptive to their concerns, most speech and language pathologists offer free screenings," says Harrison. "I always tell parents to trust their instincts."