Difficulties with speaking fluently between 2 - 4 years affects about one child in 20.

While the underlying causes are not fully understood, we know that parents do NOT cause stammering - also called stuttering.

Stammering is "characterised by stoppages and disruptions in fluency which interrupt the smooth flow and timing of speech. These stoppages may take the form of repetitions of sounds, syllables or words, or of prolongations of sounds so that words seem to be stretched out, and can involve silent blocking of the airflow of speech when no sound is heard"         (Enderby, 1996).


What can I do to help?
•    Give your child plenty of time to plan what to say and then figure out how to say it.
•    Don’t tell your child to slow down or take a breath – this may cause more frustration.
•    Don’t make your child repeat words.
•    Speak a little slower yourself and take a slightly longer pause between what your child said and your reply – this slows down the speed of conversation and provides a good model to your child.
•    Give your child as much time as he needs to finish what he is saying by himself and avoid interrupting.
•    Try not to use too many long and complicated sentences.
•    Don’t ask too many questions. When you do ask questions, allow your child to answer one at a time.
•    If your child gets stuck, continue to listen and don’t look away (maintain natural eye contact).
•    Be aware of your reactions as your anxiety can easily transfer onto the child.
•    Focus on what is being said and not how it’s being said.
•    Try to encourage good turn taking in conversation so that your child does not feel he is competing against other siblings for talking time.
•    Calm environment work well. Reduce distractions such as the television or loud music.
•    Children tend to be more dysfluent when they are angry, upset, or excited. Acknowledge how your child is feeling, e.g. Oh, I know you’re sad.
•    Make sure there is at least one 5-minute slot a day when your child has your undivided attention. During this time follow your child’s lead and have fun together.
•    Children tend to be more dysfluent when they are tired, so regular sleep patterns are important.

© Marinet Janse van Vuren,  DSC 2009

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