It is not easy for any parent to discover that their child can have any type of disorder. There are many different problems associated to the development and acquisition of children's abilities. Although logically it is a painful situation, it is important to know how to act quickly. Since, early attention will be essential to be able to help the little one as much as possible, whatever their particularity.
Stuttering is included within the so-called «speech disorders« and its treatment must be marked by professionals who can help the child in an effective way. Today, fortunately it is possible to have medical help to treat these types of imbalances. But getting the child to acquire all their skills and maximize all their abilities depends on several factors.
The 3 pillars of treating any childhood disorder
In the specific case of stuttering, it will be essential that the child receives a specialized therapy with professionals in the field. But in addition, it will be necessary to work together to achieve the best results. Treatment to improve any type of disorder in children depends on several fundamental pillars:
- Early attention: Currently, in Spain we have the invaluable help of subsidized early stimulation centers for children up to 6 years of age. In them, great professionals work who can help your child in any of their particularities.
- Parental involvement with professionals: On the other hand, it is essential that parents are involved in the therapy of children. Even if the little ones receive certain hours of weekly therapy, there is no doubt that continuing that work at home will help improve their disorder. In order to help your child in their treatment, you must know the tools that professionals use, ask how you can work with your child at home and get involved to the maximum in your treatment.
- Work at home: But in addition to continuing with the therapy and the guidelines received at home, there are other types of exercises or habits that you can acquire to improve your child's condition.
Habits to work stuttering from home
It is important do not forget to treat children as what they are, children. So, in addition to therapies and treatments, it is necessary to maintain their childhood, they must play, make mistakes and fall, to learn to get up and move on.
Here are some tips to improve stuttering of your child from home:
- Patience, don't finish the sentences for the child. This is something that all parents tend to do unconsciously, the child gets stuck and we quickly finish for them. It is very important that you give your time, so that the little one can finish talking.
- Don't interrupt him. Be careful not to cut it while you are talking, even if it gets stuck and takes a long time. You can smile and let you know that you are doing well, without interrupting it.
- Sing songs. Sing songs with the child and record it so that it can be heard later. When they sing, children do not stutter because they manage the air they expel better.
- Record your conversations. Record the child when he is speaking, first when he is speaking fast and also when he is speaking slowly. Later, make him listen to himselfThis way you can see how your speech changes when you do it fast and when you don't.
- Play turn to speak. For example, start a sentence and the child to finish it. Then he will have to start a different one and you finish it.
- Work on the child's self-esteem. It is essential to work with the child to improve his self-esteem, his particularity can be a very important social challenge.
- Don't be mad at him. Sometimes it is normal to lose patience and get angry with the child when he stutters, but making him see it will only have a negative effect. If he gets nervous he will stutter even more and he will avoid talking so that it does not happen and you do not get angry. When you are about to lose your temper, lean out of the window to breathe air, go to the toilet and relax. It is preferable to stop for a moment, rather than pour all the frustration on the child.