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The most effective therapy for young children is changing how the adults speak, not the child.
The most effective therapy for young children is changing how the adults speak, not the child.
1. The "Pause and Think" Technique
1. The "Pause and Think" Technique
Goal: To slow down the pace of conversation without telling the child to "slow down" (which makes it worse).
Instruction:
The Rule: When your child finishes a sentence, count to 2 in your head before you answer.
The Effect: This creates a calm rhythm. If you rush to answer, they rush to speak back.
The Model: Speak slower yourself. Imagine you are a relaxed Turtle, not a racing Hare.
Tip: Use lots of pauses in your own sentences.
2. The "Balance" Scale (Comments vs. Questions)
2. The "Balance" Scale (Comments vs. Questions)
Goal: Questions feel like a test and increase anxiety/stammering. Comments feel safe.
Instruction:
The Audit: Listen to yourself for 5 minutes. Are you asking questions? ("What did you eat?", "Who is that?", "Where are we going?").
The Fix: Turn questions into comments.
Instead of "What are you drawing?", say "Wow, that looks like a red fire engine."
Instead of "What did you do at school?", say "I bet you had fun playing outside today."
The Ratio: Try to make 4 comments for every 1 question.
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