Phonological processes are patterns that children use to simplify speech as they learn to talk. These processes help them make sense of complex sounds and structures in their language. For example, a child might say "wabbit" instead of "rabbit" by substituting one sound for another, which is a common phonological process called "substitution." As children grow and develop their language skills, they typically outgrow these phonological processes. Most children will gradually learn to produce sounds correctly by the age of five. Understanding these processes can help parents and educators support language development and identify any potential speech issues that may require intervention.