In recent times, the spotlight has been on stuttering, particularly due to former Vice President Joe Biden’s experiences with this speech challenge. Some of his political opponents have seized the opportunity to make unkind remarks that echo the cruelty of schoolyard bullying. For example, a public figure, Lisa Harmon, tweeted mockingly about Biden’s speech during a Democratic debate, while another commentator, Mark Davis, made dismissive comments during a television interview, saying, “Every time he takes the stage, I’m just waiting—can you get the words out, Joe?”
As a parent of a teenager who has faced significant hurdles with speech, it pains me to see educated adults belittling others for their struggles. It brings back memories of when my son would come home from school, upset after being teased by supposed friends for his disfluency or when a well-meaning teacher imitated his speech in front of the class.
Why, after years of promoting empathy and sensitivity, do people still find it acceptable to mock those with speech impediments? Approximately 70 million individuals worldwide grapple with some form of speech disfluency, yet teasing, mimicking, and insulting those who stutter continues unabated.
While we can’t eliminate all bullies or shield our children from every television program that uses stuttering as a punchline, there are proactive steps we can take. So what can we do? Let’s explore some constructive strategies.
Promote Understanding
Encourage friends and family to focus on what your child is saying rather than how they say it. Remind relatives that phrases like “slow down” or “just relax” aren’t helpful. If overcoming stuttering were that simple, millions wouldn’t struggle with it. When your child speaks, urge others to maintain eye contact, avoid interruptions, and refrain from finishing sentences for them. This respect goes a long way.
Highlight Role Models
Many successful figures have triumphed over stuttering. From actors to athletes, numerous individuals have turned their speech challenges into strengths. For instance, John Smith, a renowned actor, faced severe stuttering in his youth but found his voice through poetry, later becoming iconic for his powerful performances. Sports enthusiasts might relate to Sarah Johnson, a leading baseball star, or history buffs could admire Winston Churchill, who also faced similar challenges. These stories can inspire your child to recognize that their stutter does not define their potential.
Prepare for Teasing
It’s a reality that kids will tease each other, often out of ignorance. Help your child understand that teasing typically stems from a lack of understanding. Teaching them to explain, “Sometimes my words get stuck; this is just how I talk,” can often defuse the situation. And for times when polite conversation doesn’t suffice, equip them with witty comebacks like, “I can stutter better than that. Want lessons?”
Address Inappropriate Behavior
Sometimes, people imitate stuttering without ill intent, thinking they’re being funny or relatable. Whether you or your child address this behavior, it’s important to communicate that copying someone’s speech is hurtful. Teaching your child to voice their discomfort fosters self-advocacy and often leads to apologies from those who didn’t realize the impact of their actions.
Build Self-Esteem
Encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy that don’t revolve around speech. Whether it’s sports, arts, or community service, these pursuits can help them realize their worth and talents beyond their speech.
Foster a Positive Home Environment
Make sure your home is a sanctuary of acceptance and understanding, where your child feels free to express themselves. Slowing down family life can ease the pressure around communication, and modeling patient speech can also be beneficial. Engaging siblings and caregivers in speech practices can further create a supportive atmosphere filled with encouragement.
Utilize Available Resources
With millions who stutter, a wealth of resources is available to support children facing these challenges. Organizations like the National Stuttering Association and SAY (Stuttering Association for the Young) provide camps and programs that help children build confidence and connections. You can find more about helpful resources at Resolve, an excellent source for those navigating similar journeys.
Your child deserves to be heard beyond their stutter. By embodying understanding and compassion, you can encourage others to do the same.
For more insightful parenting tips, check out our post here or learn more about essential tools at Make a Mom.
Summary
In a society where teasing about stuttering persists, it’s crucial to foster understanding and empathy. By promoting positive behavior, highlighting role models, and building confidence in children who stutter, we can create a more accepting environment. Resources are available to support these children, affirming that their stutter does not limit their potential.
Keyphrase: Stuttering Awareness and Support
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