Your age as a parent is the same as that of your child. Each child is unique and you take baby steps into this role with him/her. Perhaps the hardest thing as a parent is the anguish of watching one’s child struggle. A hardship further complicated by your own conflicted feelings about the problem. Stuttering in children begins to manifest itself when they start to learn and speak full sentences. You should not panic, blame yourself or brush it under the carpet in the hopes that he/she will simply outgrow it. It is always advisable to err on caution. Seek professional help in the form of a speech/language specialist who can make an informed diagnosis.
If your child is diagnosed with the speech impediment of stuttering, then treat it like you would any other difficulty he/she might have faced when learning a new skill. Communication is much like learning to ride a bicycle or swimming. A skill that can be mastered with practice, patience and your support. The lack of control over their words and the innocence of not being to explain why or how can be deeply frustrating for your child. As painful as their fear might be, with your gentle acceptance, you can soothe their emotional turmoil.
Seek the guidance of a speech therapist with experience interacting with young children to understand your child’s condition better. Gather as much information as you can, though it might be overwhelming at times, it shall help you make informed decisions.
As you interact with your child and watch him/her speak with others, you will begin to notice that his/her stuttering fluctuates. It will help you isolate the factors that causes it to spike and dip. While communicating with him/her, try not to finish sentences or fill them. Give them time to pause and let them know that silence isn’t something to be afraid of. What he/she has to say is valued and how long it takes isn’t the least bit important. Engage in a dialogue with your child to let him/her know that you understand and cherish his/her opinion. The goal is to not let the innocent child fear social interactions and hide his/her difficulty or feel lonely despite having loving parents.
Be tolerant of both your child and your mistakes. Helping a child overcome his/her speech defect might seem like a massive hill to climb but be patient with yourself. It will take time and you might make mistakes but that is alright. Do not be discouraged, with the right counsel your family shall overcome the obstacles.
If your child is hesitant to speak to a speech therapist who he/she might find intimidating, it would be advisable not to force it. Such behaviour might instill a fear of your disapproval and give rise to negativity against seeking help for his/her stuttering. Apps like Stamurai, offer the kind of intimate interaction that shy children will have a better time adapting to. With detailed speech exercises, the app helps improve fluency and communication skills. You can monitor your child’s progress through the various stages as the exercises are both comprehensive and timed.
As a parent, you want your child to have all the opportunities to achieve his/her goals. Stuttering need not take away any opportunity or hold them back. With your tender love and encouragement your child can be whoever and whatever he/she wants to be.
If your child is hesitant to speak to a speech therapist who he/she might find intimidating, it would be advisable not to force it. Such behaviour might instill a fear of your disapproval and give rise to negativity against seeking help for his/her stuttering. Apps like Stamurai, offer the kind of intimate interaction that shy children will have a better time adapting to. With detailed speech exercises, the app helps improve fluency and communication skills. You can monitor your child’s progress through the various stages as the exercises are both comprehensive and timed.
As a parent, you want your child to have all the opportunities to achieve his/her goals. Stuttering need not take away any opportunity or hold them back. With your tender love and encouragement your child can be whoever and whatever he/she wants to be.
