My son has started to stutter
Children start talking at two or three years of age, and It is usual that the first words come accompanied by stuttering. This is normal for children, a phase of language development that ultimately end up exceeding without the need of a professional. These obstacles in the speech or the repetition of some syllables usually happen when they are in situations of blockade, for example when they are angry.
Stuttering is more common in boys than in girls, and more so when they are nervous or tired. Stuttering makes it difficult for children to speak fluently, but we must understand it as one more phase in its development.
Types of stuttering and symptoms in children
- Stuttering can be clonic, which is the best known. It consists in the involuntary repetition of syllables or words.
- Tonic stuttering is one in which there are spasms that interrupt the conversation, which block the emission of sounds and are frequently associated with movements of the head, feet or hands.
- Mixed stuttering It is the one that combines the symptoms of both.
Therefore, the signs by which stuttering can be detected are the following:
1. The child repeats sounds, words or phrases after turning four.
2. Gesture a lot when talking (blink, grimaces)
3. Shake the head when he talks.
4. Feel embarrassed speechAnd, even, try to avoid it.
5. It is difficult to communicate and he feels frustrated by it.
What to do if your child stutters?
- Do not give more importance than you haveIt is a passing phase.
- Do not feel guiltyIt is not our fault.
- Not correct. Accept the way you speak.
- Do not get nervous. They perceive it and they will be more nervous, aggravating the problem.
- Take time to talk with our child, to talk normally with him, to explain things to him: stories, our day to day ...
- Read with him, reading helps us to have conversation topics.
- Talk slowly, without hurry. If we talk slowly we help you improve your fluency in speech.
- Use a simple language.
- Do not interrupt when he speaks or finish the sentence for him.
- Do not let any member of the family laugh, because it's funny, the way you talk about your son.
Marina Berrio
