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How Parents Can Help With Stuttering Treatments

How Parents Can Help With Stuttering Treatments

There are some treatments that may be tried, and most of them have been found quite effective in making the situation better or helping the person cope with the disorder.  The treatment will differ depending on the age, severity of the case, and communication goals.  If you or anyone you know stutters, it is advised to consult a speech-language pathologist to know about the best options for treatment.

Stuttering treatment for young children is very helpful because it prevents the disorder from becoming a life-long dilemma.  Some techniques can help a child improve his or her speech fluency while nurturing a positive attitude towards communication.  Both factors are very important.  Generally, professionals recommend a child to be evaluated when he or she has been stuttering for three to six months, or when the he or she shows struggles related to the disorder, or has a family member who is also experiencing the same problem.

Stuttering treatment in children often involves parents’ participation like doing the following:
    
Providing a stress-free home environment which allows the child to speak freely.

Refraining from negatively reacting whenever the child stutters.  When the child is having some speaking difficulties, he or she must be encouraged to speak more and try to say the word correctly.

Being less demanding on the child about how he or she should verbally perform.

Speaking in a relaxed manner so the child will not feel pressured when it comes to talking back.

Listening attentively when the child is expressing his or her thoughts and waiting for him or her to say what he’s been meaning to.  

Talking honestly about stuttering when the child brings up the topic.