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For uncles and aunts
Dear Uncle and Aunt,
Your nephew or niece is bothered by stuttering. You may have wondered about the fact that the stuttering is so variable and very noticeable one day, nothing special the next. You may have observed that the child's speech does not really improve when you try to help by giving advice. This is part of the stuttering problem. We would like to ask you to just accept what happens. Your nephew or niece does not understand what exactly makes the stuttering increase or lessen and doesn't as yet have the power to change their way of talking. We know that it is important to give the child who stutters emotional support. A warm and understanding attitude will do more to lessen stuttering than critical though well-intentioned remarks. It is also important to allow for extra time in the give and take of conversation. The child will feel more at ease, and this will make talking less stressful.
It is alright to talk openly about stuttering when the occasion arises. If no one ever mentions it, the child may get the impression stuttering is so awful it cannot even be discussed. If it is treated like a taboo the child will be convinced it is very bad to stutter. That idea will generate a lot of tension, and thus lead to more stuttering. You can help your nephew or niece by keeping everything around them fairly quiet, by taking ample time when you want to talk together, by choosing a place where others won't rush in unexpectedly, and by keeping eye contact while talking. Of course this is not possible every time you meet, but anything in this direction is helpful.
If will be especially helpful for them to know that you yourself are interested in the problem of stuttering and want to know more about it. They will feel less alone. Thank you for wanting to help.
© Copyright 1999 by Stuttering Foundation of America
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