Question:
What do you do for a young child who occasionally stutters?
Answer:
Most children outgrow the problem, which is often triggered by stress, fatigue, or excitement. Stuttering can also be triggered if the child feels rushed, self-conscious, or pressured.
Listen patiently to your child, make eye contact, don't interrupt, ignore the stuttering, and show love and acceptance. If the stuttering continues longer than 6 months, the "blocked" speech lasts several seconds, or if the child shows obvious facial tension when stuttering, seek professional help. See preschooler development.
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