Many children between the ages of three and five are challenged with stuttering. For the parent, this can be a devastating time filled with a sense of helplessness. For the child, it is a time of frustration and embarrassment. While there is still some debate as to why many children go through a stuttering phase, some say it happens during a time when the child is growing intellectually. Their mind is moving faster than their speech can keep up, thus the stuttering. Others feel it has more to do with a child being shy, nervous, or becoming overly excited. No matter the exact reason, stuttering for any child is awkward.
If you have a child who starts to stutter, you should talk with your physician. More than likely, they will tell you that it will go away on its own. If this is the case, here are a few tips to make getting past this easier. First, when the family speaks around the child, everyone should try to speak a little slower than usual. This might take a little practice, but it will help the child. Encourage your child to take their time speaking and not feel rushed. In addition, let close friends and outside family members know what is going on so they can help support you in the process.
Another tip is not to pump the child for answers to your questions. Let the child interject when comfortable. You can certainly be encouraging but do not change your normal daily habits. When the child is talking, be careful not to interrupt or try to finish the sentence. This will definitely take patience on your part, but it will greatly lessen the frustration of the child. Then, limit stimulation such as radio, TV, computer games, etc. Your child may not like this very much, but it will help quiet the mind, which in turn will help them to think clearer.
Most children who deal with stuttering will stop within four to five months time. In fact, often children will stop and then a few weeks to a month later, start again. If this happens to you, be encouraged. This too will pass and more than likely, much quicker than the first time. Again, if you have any concerns or the stuttering lasts longer than this, feel free to follow up with your physician. Although it may feel as if the stuttering phase will never end, remind yourself that it will.
Providing your child with support and encouragement will help your child learn that they have an incredible support system. If not handled properly, a child could very quickly become self-conscious and withdraw. By allowing them to talk at their speed and not make fun of or tease them, they will maintain the self-confidence they have and actually build their level of self-confidence to a greater level.