Stuttering is a challenge that affects not only the child but the entire family. As parents, we often don’t perceive it as a problem for a long time – in our case, we only diagnosed our daughter’s stuttering when she was six, thanks to a vigilant teacher. The process of supporting a child requires understanding, commitment, and acceptance, but it brings immense benefits to both the child and their loved ones.
What Influences the Development of Stuttering?
Stuttering is a complex issue that can be linked to various factors:
- Biological – genetic predispositions, neurological disorders.
- Emotional – stress, tension, difficulties in emotional regulation.
- Social – peer relationships, reactions from the environment, social pressure.
- Environmental – fast pace of life, family communication, relationship tensions.
What Did Our Journey Look Like?
As parents, we committed to helping our daughter through:
- parenting workshops,
- work with a speech therapist and psychologist,
- participation in events and training to better understand what helps with stuttering and how to support a child.
For three years, I have also been supporting other parents whose children are facing stuttering or other difficulties. I share experiences, tips, and tools that have proven effective in our family.
What Truly Helps?
Working with stuttering isn’t just about speech therapy exercises; it’s a holistic approach to relationships and emotions within the family. Key elements include:
- Acceptance – allowing the child to be themselves, regardless of their difficulties.
- Emotional work – for both the child and the parent, because we are our children’s primary emotional regulators.
- Pacing of life and speech – slowing down the daily rhythm, giving time for thoughts to be expressed.
- Appreciation and belief in the child – building their self-confidence.
- Mindfulness and boundaries – noticing the child’s needs, but also teaching them assertiveness and expressing their own boundaries.
All these actions are beneficial not only for children who stutter but for every child.
Siblings and Environment
An important aspect is involving siblings in the support process. In our family, we teach respect and acceptance of differences. A touching example was when our daughter’s older sister responded to teasing: “Don’t you have any flaws? Every one of us has some.” Children who see support within the family feel stronger in facing difficulties.
Parents: Your Role is Crucial
I often hear questions from parents: “How will they cope?”, “What will become of them in the future?” The answer lies in your attitude. How you manage your own emotions and reactions directly impacts your child’s development. I often compare this to a situation on an airplane: first, put on your own oxygen mask so you can help your child.
Shared Time Has Power
One of the most important support tools is “our time” – moments spent together in a way that brings joy to both the child and the parent. You don’t have to play something you don’t enjoy. Choose activities that both sides find pleasurable: doing puzzles, cooking, watching games together, or playing ball. Children absorb a parent’s attention and engagement, not the specific form of play.
Stigmatization and Its Consequences
Stuttering carries the risk of stigmatization, both external and internal (self-stigmatization). It’s important not to let the child internalize negative stereotypes. Instead of focusing on difficulties, it’s worthwhile to strengthen the child’s strong points and show them that they can achieve their goals, regardless of speech challenges.
Summary
Stuttering is a challenge that requires patience, acceptance, and the commitment of the entire family. What a parent gives their child on this journey – calm, understanding, and love – is the foundation upon which their self-confidence and strength to overcome difficulties are built.
If your child is struggling with stuttering, remember: your emotions, your attitude, and your time are paramount. Together, you can achieve a great deal, even more than you expect.
