Prevent Stuttering

Parents can treat developmental stuttering in their children by getting educated on what to do.  They learn to restructure their child’s environment in order to decrease their stuttering.  Here are some things that parents are encouraged to do or not to do, in some aspects:

• Allow an environment for the child where they are allowed to freely speak.  Do not limit them to certain times when they can do this.  This will end up being a distraction and a source of frustration for the child.
• Do not show negative feelings or criticize how the child speaks.  Don’t go against them or inflict punishment because of their stuttering.
• Do not force them to repeat words until they can say them fluently.
• Do not force the child to verbally convey anything to other people.
• When the child speaks, make sure your attention is focused on them.
• Be relaxed and speak slowly.  When they see a parent doing that, then they’ll follow their lead.
• Give the child a chance to say the word that they’re stuttering over.  Don’t finish their sentences for them.
• If they should happen to bring up their stuttering problem, be willing to discuss it with them.  It can help them get over their fears and frustrations they are experiencing.
• Provide the child a chance to speak during times when the family is together.  A good example of this is during dinner when everyone is sitting around the table.
• Do not correct the child by telling them to “slow down”, “take your time” or “take a deep breath”.  As a parent, the intentions may be honest, but the child will not accept that well.  They will start to feel self-conscious about their speaking and it will further frustrate them.
• Do not advise the child to think about what they’re going to say before they say it. 
• Do not expect the child to get every word or phrase on target when they’re speaking.  They should be able to enjoy talking despite their speech condition.
• Provide the child with as much encouragement and love as you can.  Let them know that they are not any different from anyone else even with the stuttering.