Parents of School-Age Children

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Stuttering may look like an easy problem that can be solved with some simple advice, but for many adults, it can be a chronic life-long disorder. Here are some ways that you, the listener, can help.

1. Don’t make remarks like: “Slow down,” “Take a breath,” or “Relax.” Such simplistic advice can be felt as demeaning and is not helpful.

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Children are often very curious and may ask why they stutter. It can be difficult to know how to respond to a question like this because we may worry that we will say the wrong thing. However, we find that many children feel a sense of relief when an adult takes this question seriously, is honest with them about what is happening when they talk, and explains why they talk differently from others.

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By Lisa Scott, Ph.D., The Florida State University