Stuttering is a speech impediment that stretches some words out, makes other words shorter and can cause a person to repeat a word over and over. Children often stutter when they are first learning to talk, but grow out of it as they begin to feel more comfortable speaking. Adults also stutter. Stuttering has a direct correlation with stress and nervousness, and stuttering can get worse when you are nervous.
Step 1
Determine the frequency of the stuttering, if it is affecting your child. Does he only stutter when he is nervous or excited? Encouraging a child to slow down and speak more clearly, as well as praising him for speaking clearly, are ways to break the stuttering habit at a young age, without the help of a doctor.
Step 2
Consult a speech therapist. A speech therapist can determine the severity of the stutter and cater a lesson plan directly to your child's needs. Controlled fluency is a particularly effective speech therapy method that involves speaking slowly while simultaneously monitoring for stuttering, according to the Mayo Clinic
Step 3
Speak in public as much as possible. Stutterers are more likely to avoid talking in public situations--like ordering in a restaurant or speaking in class--due to the fear of being embarrassed. Joining a public speaking class if you stutter, or encouraging your stuttering child to speak for himself can stop such fears from becoming phobias.
Step 4
Connect with others who stutter. Stuttering support websites, like the Stuttering Foundation of America (see References), are a safe place for children and adults to share their stuttering stories and to learn about the accomplishments of other people who stutter. Knowing you are not alone may give you or your child the extra confidence to get through sticky social situations and school days.
Step 5
Reach out to your child's school. Let the teachers know your child has a stutter and that he is getting treatment. The school may have additional resources, like an on-site speech therapist or special needs teacher, who can give your child extra attention.
Tips and Warnings
- Let your child feel comfortable about speaking his mind at home. Stuttering affects four times more male than female patients, according to the Stuttering Foundation of America.
- Do not berate or criticize your child when he stutters.
