Parent-Child Interactions in Preventing Childhood Language and Speech Delays: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Speech and language delay is a condition in which a child's speech and language abilities do not meet age-appropriate developmental expectations. Without timely intervention, such delays may lead to more significant disorders, including developmental language disorders and learning difficulties upon reaching school age. Interactive parent-child engagement plays a critical role in promoting speech and language development and in preventing delays among typically developing children. Method: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The process involved analyzing online articles published between 2020 and 2024, sourced from ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar, using the keywords "parent-child interaction" and "language and speech development". Result: Eight relevant studies were reviewed and analyzed. The findings consistently highlight the significant role of parent-child interactions in preventing speech and language delays. Parents contribute not only to supporting age-appropriate development but also to identifying potential delays or abnormalities early, thereby enabling timely intervention. Reciprocal interactions provide children with meaningful experiences that foster language acquisition. Shared activities such as reading together offer children opportunities to imitate, create narratives, and receive corrective feedback from parents on aspects such as articulation and intonation.