The holidays are a fun time for your kiddos, but all the excitement can lead to an increase in stuttering. While this is perfectly normal and expected, you may still be wondering what you can do to practice fluency with them during this exciting time. Below we provide some tips.
Show Your Excitement, but Keep It ‘Reined’ In
You may feel just as excited as your kids to celebrate the holidays, and it’s only natural to make comments like, “Only ___ days until the big day!” or ask questions such as, “Have you started your wish list yet?” This can cause your child to become worked up, leading to increased stuttering. Help your child’s fluency by modulating your enthusiasm.
Make Sure to Rest and Have Quiet Time
While fun, the holidays can also be stressful, even for your kids. Like excitement, stress is also a major contributor to stuttering. Make sure to schedule downtime for your family to unwind and recharge. Activities like coloring, doing puzzles, reading together or playing board games are all great ways to rest while enjoying one another’s company.
Remember, Stuttering Is Okay
Around the holidays, your child will probably see family that they don’t spend very much time with. This in itself can be an exciting or stressful experience, but it can also invite some unwanted questions. Even well-meaning relatives may ask questions like, “Why are they still stuttering?” or “Have they gotten help yet?” Comments like these can be hurtful, so it’s important to stand up for your child and provide education about what it means to stutter. You can respond by saying, “Stuttering is nothing to hide or be ashamed of,” or, “Therapy has given them the confidence to speak freely rather than avoid talking or feeling embarrassed.”
Our speech professionals at Pinnacle ENT Associates can help your child through whatever speech issues they may be having. Request an appointment today!