Stammering In A Child Of 2-5 Years

Talking is a tricky business. You need to decide on a subject, find the words to make the sentence and put them in order with the correct little words (”if” and “is”, etc.), find the sounds for the words, tell the mouth what to do, breathe and speak. Little wonder then that children learning to talk frequently begin to stumble over their words and sentences. If your child is still in nursery or pre-school the chances are that there will be at least one or more children in their class stammering. If it is your child – don’t panic. Frequently children grow out of this phase quickly and their speech becomes smooth and fluent again.

Here are some tips for helping any child who is getting stuck when they are talking:

• Take time to listen to all that they are saying. It’s easy to try and finish off their sentences, particularly when you are in a rush and they have started the word or sentence for the 5th time. It will mean they feel pressure to finish what they have to say.

• Give them eye contact and get down to their level so that they know you are giving them your full attention.

• Slow your speed of speech. This will encourage your child to feel that there is no need to rush to tell you their thoughts, needs, or stories. Adding longer pauses also gives this impression. It sounds easy, but needs practice – trust me!

• Set aside time just for them. As little as 5 or 10 minutes each day for your child to talk about their day and what’s on their mind will reduce the interruptions and mean they don’t have to fight to tell you what is important. The time can also be spent playing a game or doing a puzzle.

• Encourage turn-taking. If your child is trying to say something over someone else it is an extra process added to get your attention. Making sure all the family takes their turn in conversation and games will make it fair and easier on you and your family.

• Ignore the stammer and focus on what is said. This may be hard at times, but if your child does not seem to notice it then drawing their attention to it by asking them to slow down, say it again or breathe before talking may affect the way they view their talking and make their speech look and sound more unusual.

• If your child comments on their talking or is distressed, talk about it openly. Try to make it as easy as possible by saying something like “That was a bit bumpy wasn’t it?” and go on to explain that everyone can be bumpy at times. Even pointing out when you stammer will help reduce anxiety and stop the subject becoming “taboo”.

As with all stammering contact your local Speech & Language Therapy service for specific direct advice as soon as you can, as early help is very important.