Son Started Stuttering Just Before Baby Came

Those parents whose son started stuttering just before baby came often wonder if the arrival of a new baby is the cause. How common is stuttering in a toddler?

True stuttering typically occurs in approximately five percent of young children. That's a very small percentage, but when it's your child, the percentage really doesn't matter. As a toddler's language skills develop, stuttering in a toddler is often a real concern to parents. In most cases, however, what is perceived as stuttering really isn't as serious as it might appear.

Before you diagnose your toddler with a stuttering problem, pay attention to how he speaks. Does he repeat the same word several times before completing a sentence or phrase, such as "I…I…I am hungry?" If so, this really isn't stuttering. This problem basically revolves around the fact that your toddler hasn't mastered the art of constructing a sentence verbally in a smooth and connected manner.

Stuttering typically involves the blocking of words. He may be able to say the first sound of the word, but he can't complete the word. He may become frustrated, clenching his fists as he tries to force the word out. If this is what is happening to your child, it may be time to talk to your pediatrician. What causes stuttering in toddlers?

"My son started stuttering just before baby came" is sometimes said by concerned parents. Can a situation or change in your child's life really make him predisposed to stutter? Researchers and specialists haven't narrowed down a cause of stuttering.

What is known is that someone who stutters generally does so for a variety or combination of reasons. A new baby in the home, a move, a death in the family, a divorce, and other changes can certainly be reasons for increased stress, even in children. Does this raise the risk of stuttering? Probably not, unless there are other factors involved, such as language development, physical problems, or home influences such as how parents communicate or enunciate words.

Making the statement "My son started stuttering just before baby came" is usually off-base. However, because stress can affect anyone in negative ways, you shouldn't totally disregard your toddler's stuttering problem.

Before you rush to your pediatrician's office with your fears about stuttering, step back, take a deep breath, and wait. Give your child a few weeks, and see if the problem gradually or even suddenly disappears. What might seem a serious issue today, may simply disappear tomorrow.

While early intervention is certainly important, panicking can only make the situation much worse. Remember that learning to talk is a complex skill. In many cases, parents are told to wait until their children reach the age of three before being tested for speech problems.

If a problem is determined to be a reality, what can you expect? Your pediatrician should refer you to a speech therapist for therapy. While these therapy sessions are very important, you can also work with your toddler at home as well.

• Always make eye contact and speak slowly.
• Remain relaxed, and don't give in to the urge to finish your little one's words or phrases.
• Don't let your child pick up on your frustration. This will only make the situation worse.
• If there is a change in your home that is exacerbating the problem, try to handle that as easily as possible. If you think the arrival of a new baby has made your son's problem worse, make a particular effort to spend more one-on-one time with him. You should also involve him in the baby's care with simple tasks like bringing you a diaper, helping you dress the baby, or giving the baby a bottle with your help.

Toddler stuttering might be rare, but it can occur. If you really feel that there is a problem, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician.

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