• Show your child the value of reading and writing. Of course you should read to your child every day, but you can further motivate him to read and write by connecting these skills to activities he enjoys. Read a recipe together to make his favourite cake. Check the newspaper to find out what time the latest Disney flick is playing. Have him write a list for the supermarket; once you get there, have him cross off each item from the list as you put it in the cart. Ask him to find the exit you need on the highway.

• Balance homework with fun. Starting in the first grade, reading will be part of your child's homework. Find a time to do it when there's no pressure. Pick a comfortable spot in the house. Encourage your child to read, but don't push her to the point where she shuts down and refuses to try.

• Read collaboratively. Let your child choose the book he'll read to you. As soon as he starts to struggle, provide the word. Yes, ideally you want him to put in the time and effort to sound out the letters. But if he's easily frustrated, providing the word right away will allow you to bypass a potential tantrum or shutdown and you can continue with your reading time.

• Label items around the house. Index cards work well in identifying things in your home such as refrigerator, stove, door, chair, to help your child make the connection between objects and the written words that represent them. Once you child has learned how to read these words, have her put them in a special box and start a collection of words she can read. Add to the collection by making more index cards of words that are of particular interest to your child (such as Darth, Vader, saber, and Luke). Make a set of cards for an upcoming trip to the zoo, and have your child match the cards with the animals you see.

• Have reasonable expectations. Before you jump to conclusions – as I have on more than one occasion – that your child's difficulty with reading or writing is related to his communication problem, talk with the teacher. There is a wide range of abilities in these areas, especially in the earlier grade levels. Your child's teacher will be able to put your concerns in perspective by explaining grade-level expectations and discussing possible support services at school.

• Don't be afraid to consult a reading specialist or psychologist. If you still have concerns about your child's reading or writing abilities, remember, as with speech and language, early intervention is always best. A reading specialist or psychologist can test your child for learning disability and, in the absence of one, make recommendations on how you can best support your child.

Read more:
• Get your kids reading
• How to encourage a love of reading
• Does your child need a speech pathologist?

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Excerpted from The Parent's Guide to Speech and Language Problems, copyright 2008 by Debbie Feit. Excerpted with permission from McGraw-Hill. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.