7 Ways To Help Your Child If He Stutters
If your child stutters, there are a number of things you can do so they feel better about themselves. Read on to discover the top 7 ways to help your stuttering child.
1. Be sure to speak in a slow relaxed manner, pausing often when you talk. When having a conversation with your child, don’t respond right away after he finishes speaking. Instead wait a few seconds before you talk. By speaking in an unhurried manner, you are modeling the right pace.
2. Show that you’re listening to whatever your child is saying, not how they are saying it. Be careful that your body language and facial expressions don’t convey a message that you’re impatient when he stutters.
If you show impatience, whether you intend to or not, your child will pick up on it and feel pressured. For example, don’t glance at your watch or tap your fingers. And be sure to maintain eye contact so he knows you are truly listening.
3. Don’t interrupt the flow of what your son is trying to say by asking too many questions or making too many comments. Let him talk freely about whatever he wants to. If he is talking about what he chooses, chances are he will be more willing to talk at greater length than if he is just answering your questions. The more he is able to talk in a non pressure situation, the better.
4. Every family member, whether adult or child, is entitled to be treated with respect. One way to show that respect is to give everyone a chance to talk without fear of being cut off before they finish. If everyone who talks is constantly being interrupted or hurried, your stuttering child is getting a negative message that what they have to say is not worth hearing. You can help instill confidence with respect.
5. Your child needs to know that you are on her side. So if she tells you that she is getting teased at school because she stutters, arrange to talk to her teacher. You may also want to help her come up with a few ideas of how she can deal with teasing on her own.
6. Always be a good listener. Allow him to talk without completing his sentences, filling in words, or making corrections for words that aren’t said properly. Every conversation should not become a lesson in speaking.
7. Above all else, make sure you are letting your child know that you love her for who she is rather than how she talks. She’ll no doubt feel down on herself at times. Don’t downplay these feelings, but do explain that everyone has difficulty with something, sometimes. If you can, talk about a problem you had when you were growing up.
These are just a few ways that you can help your stuttering child. For more ideas , visit www.cureforstuttering.org and learn more about how to get help for a stuttering child.