Coping and support

If you're the parent of a child who stutters, these tips may help:

• Listen attentively to your child. Maintain natural eye contact when he or she speaks.
• Wait for your child to say the word he or she is trying to say. Don't jump in to complete the sentence or thought.
• Set aside time when you can talk to your child without distractions. Mealtimes can provide a good opportunity for conversation.
• Speak slowly, in an unhurried way. If you speak in this way, your child will often do the same, which may help decrease stuttering.
• Take turns talking. Encourage everyone in your family to be a good listener and to take turns talking.
• Strive for calm. Do your best to create a relaxed, calm atmosphere at home in which your child feels comfortable speaking freely.
• Don't focus on your child's stuttering. Try not to draw attention to the stuttering during daily interactions. Don't expose your child to situations that create a sense of urgency, pressure, or a need to rush or that require your child to speak in front of others.
• Offer praise rather than criticism. It's better to praise your child for speaking clearly than to draw attention to stuttering. If you do correct your child's speech, do so in a gentle, positive way.
• Accept your child just as he or she is. Don't react negatively or criticize or punish your child for stuttering. This can add to feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness. Support and encouragement can make a big difference.

Connecting with other people

It can be helpful for children, parents and adults who stutter to connect with other people who stutter or who have children who stutter. Several organizations offer support groups. Along with providing encouragement, support group members may offer advice and coping tips that you might not have considered.

For more information, visit the websites of organizations such as the National Stuttering Association or The Stuttering Foundation.