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Ignoring the struggle can make the child feel ashamed. Acknowledging it validates them.
Ignoring the struggle can make the child feel ashamed. Acknowledging it validates them.
5. Labeling the "Bumpy" Speech
5. Labeling the "Bumpy" Speech
Goal: To give the child vocabulary to talk about their difficulty without fear.
Instruction:
The Name: Call it "Bumpy speech" or "Stretchy speech". Don't use scary words like "Stammering" yet.
The Validation: If they really struggle and look upset, say calmly: "That was a bumpy word, wasn't it? That happens to me sometimes too. It's okay.".
The Normalization: "Everyone has bumpy speech sometimes. It's just how our mouths work today."
Professional Tips for the Mother (The "Don'ts")
Professional Tips for the Mother (The "Don'ts")
Don't say "Slow Down" or "Take a Breath": This is the most common mistake. It adds a complex instruction on top of the struggle. It implies they are doing something wrong. Just model slowness yourself.
Special Time: Dedicate 5 minutes a day to "Special Time" where the child leads the play and you practice your "Turtle Talk" (slow, comment-heavy speech). This reduces their cortisol (stress) levels.
Reduce Life Speed: Stammering often peaks when life is busy. If the child is stammering a lot, cancel a club, simplify the schedule, and make the home environment quieter for a few days.
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