Tips for Talking with Young Children who Stutter
Many young children go through a stage between the ages of 2-5 years when they may exhibit some stuttering. The first signs of stuttering tend to appear when a child is about18-24 months old as there is a burst in vocabulary and kids are starting to put words together to form longer utterances. In many cases, stuttering goes away on its own by age 5; in others, it lasts longer. Whether or not your child exhibits stuttering behaviors, here are some great tips to think about when you’re talking with him/her. 1. Speak in an unhurried way, pausing frequently. Model slow, relaxed speech for your child. 2. Reduce the number of questions you ask. Try commenting on what your child has said.