FLUENCY

Fluency is the aspect of speech production that describes the "smoothness" or flow in which an indvidual speaks. When a fluency disorder is present there may be pauses, breaks, repetitions or other characteristics. These characteristics are known as disfluencies. Tension and negative feelings towards the behavior may also be present. It's very important that your student feel comfortable communicating; reassure your child that it's okay to have disfluent moments or stuttering events. 

7 Tips for Parents:

• 1. Reduce the pace. Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently. Wait a few seconds after your child finishes before you begin to speak. Your own easy relaxed speech will be far more effective than any advice such as “slow down” or “try it again slowly. For some children, it is also helpful to introduce a more relaxed pace of life for awhile. 

• 2. Full listening. Try to increase those times that you give your child your undivided attention and are really listening. This does not mean dropping everything every time she speaks.

• 3. Asking questions. Asking questions is a normal part of life – but try to resist asking one after the other. Sometimes it is more helpful to comment on what your child has said and wait.

• 4. Turn taking. Help all members of the family take turns talking and listening. Children find it much easier to talk when there are fewer interruptions.

• 5. Building confidence. Use descriptive praise to build confidence. An example would be “I like the way you picked up your toys. You’re so helpful,” instead of “that’s great.” Praise strengths unrelated to talking as well such as athletic skills, being organized, independent, or careful.

• 6. Special times. Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child. This quiet calm time – no TV, iPad or phones - can be a confidence builder for young children. As little as five minutes a day can make a difference.

• 7. Normal rules apply. Discipline the child who stutters just as you do your other children and just as you would if he didn’t stutter.

Source: https://www.stutteringhelp.org/ 

Websites:

National Stuttering Association: http://www.nsastutter.org

The Stuttering Foundation: https://www.stutteringhelp.org

International Stuttering Association: https://www.isastutter.org