When My Child Stammers /Stutters-and so the words don’t flow
Stammering also known as Stuttering usually starts when children are learning to talk between the ages of 2 and 5; it can however start later.
This might look like…
- Repeating sounds, words or phrases (e.g. “d-d-dog”, “dog-dog-dog”, “it’s a- it’s a-it’s a dog”)
- Making sounds longer in words (e.g. “the ssssun”)
- Trying to talk but nothing comes out
- Becoming frustrated when they can’t say what they want to say
How can I help?
For most young children stammering will only last for a short period of time…it may come and go and as times passess will usually be less and less obvious.
It is important to highlight that parents/carers do not cause stammering but whilst your child is struggling to talk there are many ways in which the adults in a young child’s life can support them.
*Your child will not be stammering all the time so do look out for those times when it is easier for them to speak. Many children find it easier to talk when they are playing with their toys by themselves, or for the older child engaged in lego or a craft activity. In addition having some one -on -one time with an adult is highly supportive.
*Many of our families have said that when they slow their talking they have noticed that it has helped their child to speak more easily.
*Stammering can be exhausting so your child will benefit from listening to stories with you, enjoying craft activities as well as taking part in physical games like football and swimming where there is less talking required.
Children often stammer more when tired or run down so do encourage a regular sleeping pattern
Top tips
- Slow down your own talking (parents/adults)
- Spend time daily playing with just you and your child
- Focus on what your child says, not how they say it
More help
https://actionforstammeringchildren.org
Speech, language or communication difficulties | Swindon Borough Council
Stammering - Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust
