7 Tips to Deal with Your Child’s Stuttering

1. Speak calmly:

Pause frequently and wait for a moment after your child finishes speaking before you begin again. Your slow, relaxed way of speaking is more effective than any criticism or suggestions such as "speak slower" or "speak again slowly."

2. Reduce the questions you give your children:

Children are freer when speaking their own thoughts than when answering questions from adults. Without asking questions, simply comment on what the child says to let him know that you heard him.

3. Use your facial expressions and other body language to show your child that you are listening to what he says, not how he says it:

4. Set aside some time every day at a fixed hour to give your child your full attention:

At this time, let the child choose what he wants to do. Let him take you to his activities and let him choose whether to speak or not. When you speak at this time, do it in a slow, calm, relaxed manner with plenty of pauses. For your young child, this calm, quiet time can build his confidence and let him know that his parents enjoy spending time with him. As the child grows older, this time period allows the child to feel comfortable discussing his feelings and experiences with his parents.

5. Let all family members learn how to take turns speaking and listening:

Children, especially those who stutter, find it easier to speak when there are fewer interruptions and when the audience is paying attention.

6. Observe the way you interact with your children:

Strengthen it in a way that makes it clear to your child that you are listening to him and that he has ample time to speak. Minimize criticism, rapid-fire speech, interruptions, and questions.

7. The most important thing is to let your child understand that you accept him no matter what he is like. The most powerful force is your support for him, whether he stutters or not: