Question
How should one handle the stuttering phenomenon in a 2-year-old? The child was able to speak fluently at 1 year old, but started to stutter at 2.5 years old. After two corrections, no further corrections were made, but the situation has gradually worsened. Now, the child stutters as soon as they start speaking, but not when singing or telling a story. Will this situation continue?
Answer
Currently, the effectiveness of treatment for stuttering, including behavioral therapy and medication, is not yet clear. If the child’s stuttering has not improved by the age of 4, the situation may become more challenging. Firstly, parents should help their children overcome psychological fear. When a child stutters, parents should not scold them or interrupt or correct them arbitrarily; they should act as if they have not heard it and communicate with the child in a normal manner. It is recommended that parents encourage their children to slow down their speaking pace and arrange reading and singing activities for them as much as possible, which can be very helpful in improving the stuttering situation.