Lessons To Take From ‘The King's Speech’ For Your Child’s Speech Disability

Dr. Alok Sinha

MD - Psychiatry, MBBS · Psychiatrist ·

4 Lessons To Take From ‘The King's Speech’ For Your Child’s Speech Disability

Back in 2010, Colin Firth delivered an emotionally moving performance as Bertie, the man who becomes King George VI, in the movie ‘The King’s Speech’. Bertie developed a speech disability at the tender age of 8 when he was forced by his teacher to write with his right hand instead of his left one. Traumatic experiences like this can hamper your child’s speech as well.

Read on to find out how lessons learnt from ‘The King’s Speech’ can help your child face daily life with confidence.

1. King George admitted his problem:

The first thing Bertie teaches your child is to admit he has a problem. Playing blame games or hiding from it doesn’t sort out the problem at hand. Teach your child to embrace his flaws and accept himself for the way he is, and not withdraw himself into a cocoon. This is the first step in eliminating the hindrance that is speech disability.

2. He had a purpose in life:

Bertie is a resounding reminder of the fact that no matter how we are, our lives have a purpose to fulfil. But if a problem stands in the way of that purpose, then we should know that the problem has to go. Instil a sense of purpose in your child. If he wants to be singer or even a leader like Bertie, then let him know he can.

3. He found his inner power:

Once you find your purpose and know that your problem stands in the way of it; you have to dig deep to find your inner power. Help your child to see past the disappointment, the shame, the embarrassment and humiliation to discover his inner power. Bertie couldn’t have done this without his wife and Logue (his speech therapist). So as parents you have to be pillars of support for your child too.

4. He persevered to achieve his goals:

Bertie may have identified his problem, found his purpose and power, and planned a path to success. But none of this would be of any use to him if he didn’t have the strength to persevere. Despite his initial stuttering at the national radio speech, Bertie didn’t give up. Bertie never gave up. He was a fighter, not a quitter. It is important to inculcate this sense in your child just as Bertie puts it, “Because I have a right to be heard! I have a voice!” Your child has the same right.

The movie ‘The King’s Speech’ reminds us that though Bertie was a king, in the end he was flesh and bones like the rest of us. He faces the problems we do; and we can learn a lot from him.