Likely because she has created an atmosphere in which he feels ‘okay’ about his stuttering and they can talk about it, and work on it together. Parents sometimes feel that should be their role — the person their child can come to for anything. I once thought that I should be the one to teach my wife to drive my ‘stick shift’ car. Big mistake! So maybe there are times we need to be more pragmatic and just be thankful that our children have found someone to turn to help them with a problem. It is ironic that sometimes it’s easier telling our secrets to a “stranger” than to the ones we are closest to. Talking about our innermost secrets is not easy, but the potential benefits can be truly immense. Please recognize that both you and your son are fortunate to have this clinician as a resource – like my friend who taught my wife to drive my car, sparing a trip to divorce court!

Gary Rentschler , Ph.D, CCC-SLP, BRS-FD