Question
A 7-year-old boy has developed a stuttering problem since October last year, following the extraction of his teeth. The situation has worsened recently. The parents are unsure how to help their child and are worried that their child speaks very tense, asking whether it’s better to tell the child to speak slowly?
Answer
Treating a stutter should not involve mocking, scolding, hitting, or punishment of the child. Any action that increases the child’s anxiety is not advisable. Check if a short frenulum is causing the child to pronounce words inaccurately. Additionally, be mindful not to be tense, especially when the child is speaking, and avoid staring directly at the child to prevent tension. Avoid exposing the child to people who stutter and encourage singing. Furthermore, it is recommended to practice regularly and think clearly before speaking. If severe, specialized stuttering schools should be considered for correction.