Question
Sometimes the child repeats words or struggles to express themselves, while at other times, they speak fluently. They can articulate simple sentences or short phrases easily but struggle with complex words or longer sentences. What methods can parents use to guide their child in correcting this speech error?
Answer
Stuttering in a 2-year-old can be treated with traditional therapy, which includes psychotherapy, phonetic therapy, and breathing therapy, among others. Psychotherapy is the main approach, combined with exercises to change bad habits. For example, practicing recitation, especially reciting poems or singing, and rhythmic breathing and pronunciation are very beneficial for correcting stuttering. This is because it helps to focus the mind on rhythm and meter, shifting the attention of the person who stutters away from the act of pronunciation. With consistent practice, the person who stutters no longer finds it difficult to articulate. For childhood stuttering, parents should not be overly concerned, but neither should they completely ignore it. Do not scold or blame the child for not stuttering and reward them immediately when they do not. Over time, the stuttering issue will improve.