A child’s basic necessities in life are provided by their parents. Parenting entails a lot of responsibility and accountability. What happens when a child has a speech disorder like stuttering? In this case, parents are expected to give more than what is expected from them. Love should transcend this challenge and these tips can immensely help those parents experiencing the same concern.
1. Parents should serve as the foundation and pillars of the emotional and moral support of children with stuttering problems. This is where their patience is being tested. They are expected to embrace and improve the current condition of their child. Their support can influence the quick response to therapy or even improvement in their child’s condition.
2. You must learn to create an environment of mutualism - give and take. If somebody talks, the rest listens. This is essential for a stutterer so that he or she can speak freely even if it takes longer as compared to a normal person. This will allow the stutterer to develop self-esteem and respect.
3. Simplify your language. The words or phrases you use in asking questions should be short and simple. This will help your child to express himself or herself freely. Let your child finish his or her sentences before proceeding to your next question. In this manner, anxiety and frustration are being eliminated.
4. Listen well to the messages being conveyed by your child. This will help you understand your child’s thought patterns. Do not be indifferent to your child. Your response should be the same as that of your usual conversation with a normal kid. You do not want to alienate your child. Just let him or her do his or her usual conversational practices.
5. As a parent of a child with speech disorder, do not be in a hurry in exposing your child to activities that will deflate his or her self-esteem. A stage mother or father image is not a good idea to begin with in the real world, there are bullies especially kids who are clueless of this speech disorder. But if your child is eager to do stuff like performing for a big crowd, just let them be and have fun.
6. Empower your other kids by educating them of their sibling’s speech disorder. A child who stutters is in constant need of acceptance and understanding especially from family members. A family founded strongly by love will have healthy kids.
7. Seek the assistance of certified and licensed Speech Language Pathologists. There are various drills and therapies that can help improve and alleviate your child’s stuttering condition. There is no known cure yet and reinforcing these proven therapies can greatly improve your child’s well being.
8. Lastly, love your child with no ifs or buts. Unconditional love conquers all forms of speech disorders. A child filled with love is healthy. Combine this love with the appropriate medical assistance and support network; your child’s situation will immensely improve quickly as your child grows older.
These may be 8 simple tips but they do not guarantee that practicing them religiously is going to be that easy. Love, acceptance, patience, support group, medical attention and a whole lot more are the major keys in accomplishing your goal in improving your child’s condition and removing their stuttering problem.
Stuttering
Children, Stuttering, Tips