Wait about 2 seconds after your child stops talking before you start. • Nod your head and smile or use sounds like “mm-hmm” to show that you are listening and interested.
Look at your child when he is talking and listen with interest. Try to be face to face with your child. When your child’s speech is bumpy, let him know that you are listening or that you have time to listen. Keep a positive expression on your face.
Repeat or paraphrase (repeat what he is saying using different words) what your child has said using a slow, relaxed rate of talking.
Reduce competition to talk. Have everyone in the family take turns in conversations. For example at the dinner table give each person a turn to talk without being interrupted.
Adjust the demands for talking when your child’s speech is bumpy. All children have smooth days and bumpy days. Cut the number of times your child needs to talk or read aloud if he’s having a bumpy day. Ask fewer questions or ask questions that your child can answer in a few words. Since children may feel stressed when under pressure to perform for others, don’t make your child talk in front of others. On smooth days give your child more chances to talk.
If your child knows he stutters or is frustrated about his stuttering, let him know you understand. Help your child say how he feels about the stuttering. You could say, “That was hard for you to say.” or “You really tried hard on that word.” or “Sometimes I get stuck on my words too.” You could use words like “bumpy speech”, “stuttering” or “getting stuck” when talking about stuttering.
Reduce unnecessary hurry by setting regular routines for your child. Set and follow bedtime and mealtime routines to make sure that your child gets enough rest and nutrition. Children who stutter may stutter more when they are tired, sick, or stressed.
Avoid a rushed environment. Slow down the pace and don’t make schedules too busy. Time pressures make it harder to talk smoothly.
Children often know when people are uncomfortable with them. When your child feels more comfortable and accepted he will be likely to talk more.
Don’t tell your child to slow down or to take a breath and start again Model slower speech and use more wait time rather than saying “slow down” or “take a breath and start again”. Children are often frustrated by interruptions when they are trying to communicate.
Instead, think about other strategies that will help calm your child when he or she is excited, angry, frustrated, or upset.
