Parents - Help for My Child

Information for Parents

How can I help my child?

As a parent, you may feel uncertain about how to help your child who stutters.  You may have already received a lot of conflicting information and advice about stuttering.

First and foremost, I want you to know that handling stuttering is like handing any other challenge your child may face; you can help most by providing love, acceptance and support.

Here are just three things you can do to start the process of feeling confident in handling stuttering in your family.  If you need any assistance with these, contact Nina.
  1. Learn more about stuttering: I have provided a short FAQ here. That will get you started, but you will need more to help you help your child. This page provides you with several quality resources and links to organizations that provide knowledge, insight and hope in your journey of navigating stuttering with your child.
     
  2. Work through your own feelings: The concern that you feel about stuttering is real and natural. While learning about stuttering is imperative, no matter how much you learn about stuttering, that will only be a part of the equation. Knowledge is power but understanding the impact of stuttering is the key to helping your child.

    Ask yourself, “How does my child’s stuttering affect my child and affect me?” Realize that what affects you affects your child because the messages you send about stuttering matter. Therefore, you will need your own support and guidance to deal with your feelings regarding your child’s stuttering. That way, the messages you send can help your child feel more comfortable and confident in his or her communication.
     
  3. Don’t give advice-give acceptance: Right now, it is normal for your child to stutter. Really. We know that stuttering is not a learned behavior nor a psychological issue. You have not caused stuttering, and your child cannot eliminate it simply by “using strategies” or “trying harder,” or “just relaxing.” What your child needs now more than anything is to have you on his or her side; to know that no matter how he or she speaks, you are listening to what is being said and valuing communication above all else.
No matter how old your child is, there are many more pieces of the puzzle to put together. Take your time, do a little at a time, and know that you are not alone
 
Below you will find the resources and organizations that can help you learn, feel supported and gain acceptance as you navigate the next steps in your process of understanding stuttering for yourself and your child. 

Contact Nina now to answer your questions and to get more information and support for your family.

Other organizations and more info

National Stuttering Association

https://westutter.org

The National Stuttering Association believes in a more accepting and understanding world for people who stutter. Along with providing support groups, a research-proven way to improve the quality of life for those who stutter, the NSA provides education to the public and funds studies to better understand stuttering.

 

DALLAS Area Support Resources-NSA

See the NSA website for current information


Dallas: Adults –

Dallas/Richardson: Teens (ages 13-17) 

Dallas/Richardson: NSAKids (ages 7-12

Denton: Adults

Fort Worth: Families (ages 7-17)

Mesquite: Families (ages 7-17)

A non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people who stutter and their families.

British Stammering Association

https://stamma.org

Dedicated to creating a world where people who stammer are able to fulfill their potential and enjoy respect and consideration.

The Stuttering Foundation

https://www.stutteringhelp.org

A not-for-profit organization who provides free online resources, services, and support to those who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering.

SAY: Stuttering Association for the Young

https://www.say.org

A nonprofit organization that provides support, advocacy, and life-changing programs for young people who stuttering, ages 3-18.

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October 22nd ANNUALLY

International Stuttering Awareness Day

02

3rd Week of May

U.S. National Stuttering Awareness Week

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