how to speak to your child who stutters
Your child is stuttering…how can you help? We understand the variety of emotions that may arise when witnessing your child struggling to communicate. Stuttering can cause children to feel self-conscious, frustrated, and overwhelmed. However, with the right support and communication strategies, parents can help their child feel more confident and comfortable when speaking.
We are here to provide you with some tips you can use at home today to help your child who is stuttering.
Here are some tips for parents to help their child who stutters:
Listen actively: When your child is speaking, give them your full attention and listen carefully. Avoid interrupting or finishing their sentences, and try to resist the urge to correct their speech. By actively listening to your child, you show them that their words are valuable and important.
Be patient: Children who stutter may take longer to get their words out, and it is important to be patient and not rush them. Give your child the time they need to express themselves and avoid interrupting or speaking over them.
Encourage speaking: Encourage your child to speak up and express their thoughts and feelings, even if they stutter. This helps them to build confidence in their speech and feel more comfortable when speaking.
Avoid negative comments: Children who stutter are often sensitive about their speech, and it is important to avoid making negative comments or criticisms. Instead, focus on the content of their message and praise their efforts to communicate.
Lead by example: Children often model their behavior after their parents, so it is important to speak in a slow, calm, and relaxed manner. This sets a positive example for your child and helps to reduce the stress and anxiety that may be contributing to their stuttering.
Seek professional help: If your child's stuttering is causing significant distress or affecting their quality of life, consider seeking professional help from a speech therapist. A speech therapist can provide individualized treatment and support to help your child overcome their stuttering and improve their speech.
Communicating with a child who stutters can be challenging, but with the right approach, parents can help their child feel more confident and comfortable when speaking. By listening actively, being patient, encouraging speaking, avoiding negative comments, leading by example, and seeking professional help, parents can support their child's speech development and improve their overall wellbeing.
With Love,
SG Speech Therapy