As children who stutter grow older, they may encounter new challenges as they become more aware of their stuttering. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child navigate this potentially difficult time. The National Stuttering Association (NSA) is here to remind you that support is available, and that you and your child are not alone in facing this journey with stuttering.
Understanding the Journey
By the time children reach school age, they often realize that their stuttering hasn’t simply "gone away" as they might have hoped. For many children, stuttering has been a part of their lives for years, leading to growing awareness and concern about their speech. This realization can bring increased frustration, making it essential for parents, teachers, clinicians, and others in the child’s environment to offer full support.
It’s important for children to know that their stuttering may change over time and that things can get better. With the right support, children can gain confidence and become effective communicators, fostering a sense of hope and optimism as they develop coping strategies.
The Role of Parents
As a parent, your belief in your child's ability to succeed and grow is vital. Accepting that your child stutters is a crucial step toward avoiding the pursuit of "quick fixes" that may offer short-term relief but contribute to long-term concerns. Understanding and patience are key as you navigate treatment options and support your child’s journey with stuttering.
To assist you during this transition, the NSA has created a network of parents who have been through similar experiences. Connecting with other parents and participating in NSA’s programming for families and exploring our resources can provide you with valuable insights and support, helping you to better assist your child.
Key Facts to Remember
Here are some essential points to keep in mind as you support your school-age child who stutters:
Stuttering is not your child’s fault. Stuttering is not something your child is doing on purpose or because of something you - or they - did wrong. It’s simply a characteristic of how they produce speech.
Changing speech is challenging. Your child may learn strategies in therapy to improve fluency, but using these strategies consistently is difficult. As a parent, trying these strategies yourself can help you appreciate your child’s efforts and understand the challenges they face.
Stuttering varies. Your child’s fluency will fluctuate in different situations and on different days. During times of increased stuttering, your child may need more understanding from those around them, rather than pressure to find a quick solution.
Help is available. Although there is no cure for stuttering, children can learn to build self confidence and improve their attitudes and communication skills over time. Finding a speech-language pathologist who specializes in stuttering and connecting with other families through the NSA can provide valuable support.
Stuttering doesn’t have to hold your child back. With the right support, your child can achieve their goals without letting stuttering hold them back. Today, more than ever, we have the tools and knowledge to help children who stutter live full, confident lives.
Moving Forward
By keeping these key facts in mind, you can approach your child’s stuttering with greater understanding and acceptance. This attitude will not only help you cope more effectively, but it will also empower your child to develop a healthy, positive outlook on their speech and abilities.
The NSA is here to support you and your child on this journey. Together, we can ensure that stuttering does not stand in the way of your child’s happiness and success.
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