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Ways to Help Young Children Who Stutter
When a young child begins to stutter it can be a very scary experience for not only the parents, but the entire family. Fortunately, there are ways that you can help! You can help build a solid foundation for your child’s speech and language skills and give them the best opportunity to improve his/her communication and fluency.
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Learn about stuttering
The more you know about stuttering, the more you can help your child. Take time to educate yourself about the nature of fluency disorders and how you can help.
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Seek the advice of a specialist
If you are concerned about your child’s speech contact a speech-language pathologist who specializes in the treatment of fluency disorders. The sooner you can get an evaluation, the sooner you can help your child.
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Respond to your child in an open and supportive way
Talk to your child about his/her stuttering! Treat stuttering in a positive, patient and supportive manner.
4. Read books or sing songs that have a lot of repetition in them, and engage your child in helping you read the story or sing the song.
-Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
-The Bear Books
-Old MacDonald Had A Farm
-Wheels On The Bus
-Down By The Bay
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Decrease time pressure
At mealtime, take turns talking and try to slow down your interactions. Reduce interruptions and encourage good turn-taking in your home environment.
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Model communication
You can provide an important, positive model of communication in your child’s life. Use an easier, smoother, and more relaxed way of talking. This can teach your child to speak in a relaxed, unhurried manner.
-Erin White M.A., CF-SLP, TSSLD
