What Can Parents Do To Help a Child That Stutters
Stuttering occurs to child whose age ranges from two to five. Usually this speech disorder disappear as they child grows older and develop his or her speech. This should not make parents be complacent and just take this condition for granted. The following are just few things that can help parents and the child handle this condition.
1. When speaking, make sure you say things slowly and with frequent pauses. Studies show that this approach is very effective as compared to criticizing your child. Remember that having this condition is not your child’s fault.
2. Never finish your child’s sentence even if you already know what he or she wants to say or ask. Give them time to finish what they have to say. The keyword here is listening to your child not evaluating his expression.
3. Minimize the number of questions you ask your child. Give them more time to speak freely. In this manner, you allow your child to express his or her own ideas. Always acknowledge what your child said so that he or she will know that you heard and understood well. Use facial expressions or other body language. Maintain eye contact because this assures your child that you are actively participating and supporting his or her battle with this speech disorder.
4. Encourage your child to speak daily. A good example of this is when your family is eating. Since everyone is present at the dinner table it allows your child to practice and express himself or herself freely. Make sure there are no distractions such as radio or television.
5. Devote a time to your child’s needs. Set a certain time in the morning, afternoon or evening that you join in his or her activities. This helps in building self esteem and confidence in your child since they can converse with you freely with no hints of rejection.
6. You should share the responsibilities of handling your child’s condition properly with all the family members. The more your child is talking the faster it is to improve his or her condition.
7. Reinforcement if necessary. It is not necessary to correct every mispronounced word your child utters. What is important is for your child to enjoy talking. If a parent is constantly correcting his or her child’s mistake that is where fear, anxiety and stress sets in.
These are the things that a parent or a family member can do to support a stutterer with his or her plight. A family member can only do and give so much of his or her time. If the condition is not improving or has worsened, it is best to seek help from a specialist. An expert of the various techniques that can treat this disorder is known as a speech language pathologist.
The SLP will conduct a series of diagnostic exams. You will be asked several questions and you will have one on one interaction with the SLP and your child. You will also have to keep a journal to track the frequency of your child’s stuttering. This is a trial and error procedure to help eliminate the inappropriate treatments and come up with the best therapies.
In looking for a speech language pathologist, make sure that he or she is professional licensed and certified by the state and by the American Speech Language Hearing Association. If still unsure, it is best to get a referral from a clinic or hospital, nearby university or from the Stuttering Foundation of America.