Child Development- Stuttering in Children

Child Development: Stuttering in Children

Does your child talk a lot but repeats several identical words one after the other in phrases? Is it the terrible twos? Are you wondering whether this could be a stuttering problem? Is stuttering a normal step in the language learning process?

Many parents are worried and believe their child has a stuttering problem. Learning to speak takes a lot of time and children frequently display these difficulties at first. A child that stutters while talking is not any less intelligent than another child. Every child develops at his own pace and capacity.

Transitory Stuttering in Children

It’s normal that children between the ages of 2 to 4 repeat complete words inside the same sentence. It’s a known transient phenomenon that your child may not be able to control. It usually ends on its own. No one really knows for sure the reason behind stuttering. Many experts believe that a child may think faster than talk. You may notice that your child may repeat words when he feels fatigued or irritated or when many things are occurring at the same time. A change in the child’s regular routine, arrival of a sibling or a move may trigger or worsen the stuttering in children.

If your child does not realize that he is repeating his words, its best not to focus your attention on the issue. You will also gain by deterring other people in your child’s environment to not mention anything about stuttering.

How to Help Children with Stuttering Problems

Never yell to your child and do not punish him because of his stuttering.

Speak to your child calmly and listen attentively without noticing the way he is expressing himself.

Do not ask him to repeat. According to experts you must not advise him to slow down nor reflect at what he is saying.

Do not finish his sentences for him.

Reduce to a minimum the number of stressful situations involving communications. For instance, do not ask your child a question when surrounded by a noisy crowd.

Symptoms of Persistent Stuttering in Children

Below are some symptoms to monitor your child closely that may determine whether your child has a real stuttering problem.

He repeats the sounds of words.

He repeats the words or part of some words.

He twitches when he talks.

His eyes blink.

He has a stamping of feet.

He withholds his breathing.

He avoids certain words.

He seems to be afraid of or panics when he tries to pronounce certain words.

He has great difficulty when talking.

If you notice that your child displays several of these symptoms contact a speech therapist for an evaluation. A professional will be able to provide solutions and appropriate family help you may require.