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Copyright © 1996 by ParentsPlace.com
Last modified: May 14, 1996
Recently I received a letter from a woman who was concerned that her four year old son was picking up the habit of stuttering. I told her to not be overly concerned just yet.A parent's concern and anxiety shows in their body language and face when they are listening to their children talk. He can see and feel that you are worried about his speech, or that you expect that he might stutter. Without realizing it, you are transferring your anxiety to your child. This anxiety causes pressure that can either create a stuttering problem or make a minor speech problem worse.
Many, many four year olds stutter in their rush to get out the words they want to say; this is partly because their thoughts and words form in their minds more quickly than the voice and mouth can communicate them. According to the Stuttering Foundation of America, 25% of all children go through a stage in which they stutter.
The best thing you can do is be a really good and patient listener. When your child talks to you, get down on his level and maintain direct eye contact. Put a gentle and reassuring hand on his shoulder, and let your face and body show that he has your full attention. Be positive and be genuinely interested. Rid yourself of anxiety and pressure.
Expect that he CAN eventually say all that he has to say to you, and wait patiently for him to do so. Do NOT mouth his words. Do NOT try to "help" by saying what he is trying to say or by finishing a word or phrase for him. If you do the right things consistently he will probably outgrow the potential problem of stuttering in a few months.
Over three million Americans stutter, and they are every bit as intelligent and well-adjusted as non-stutterers. Despite decades of research there are no clear cut answers to the causes of stuttering, or to the specific reasons why stuttering affects boys more often than girls. However, a great deal has been learned about factors that contribute to its development...parental anxiety and pressure are at the top of the list.
For more information call the Stuttering Foundation of America's toll free number, 800-992-9392.
Ms. Petersen's nationally syndicated parenting column is carried in over 200 newspapers twice each week. As a family/parenting consultant, early childhood educator, Head Start consultant, and host of a series of parent training audio and video tapes, Ms. Petersen employs an approach of providing hands-on, nuts and bolts advice to parents across the country. Her new book "A Practical Guide to Early Childhood Planning: The What Why and How of Lesson Plans" has just been released.
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