3 Fun activities to help a child who stutters

Finding your baby stuttering (stuttering), will make you worry. The reason is, this condition often makes it difficult for children to communicate, so that they become more sensitive, easily offended, and withdraw from the environment. As a parent, you can help improve your child's speaking skills through various activities at home. In fact, what are some fun activities that are suitable for a stutterer? See the following reviews.

Fun activity for the stutterer

According to the Indonesian Doctors Association, children who stutter are usually characterized by repetition of part or all of the words when speaking, such as "sa … sa … sa … tu" or "one one one". It can also be marked by hesitation when speaking so as to lengthen the pronunciation of a word, such as "ssssatu".

This halting pronunciation usually affects children 3 to 5 years of age. Children will be able to speak fluently and return to normal when entering school age. However, there are also those who continue to experience this condition into adulthood.

The cause of stuttering in children is not known with certainty. However, it is most likely related to genetic and environmental factors. Apart from doing speech therapy, parents can also hone the ability of a child who stutters with some activities at home.

The American Speech Language Hearing Association mentions a variety of fun activities for children who stutter, such as:

1. Play words and guess objects

Entering the age of 2 years and over, children will learn a variety of new words. Even if he does a lot of repetitions, you can smooth out the word for word your child gets each day. Through activities, you can select word games.

By playing with words, your little one will train himself to speak more often. This allows the child to be clearer and more fluent in saying a word.

This activity for children who stutter is very easy and can be done anywhere. For example, you say "ball" and ask your little one to follow it. Pronounce this word clearly, with proper pronunciation and speech.

During this child's play, focus your concentration and body on your little one, such as talking and looking at his face while showing the ball.

After that, ask the child while pointing at the ball, "What is this?" Use questions that are simple and easy for the child to understand.

Do it repeatedly with various objects in the house. Every time your child is able to say a word, give him a smile or a round of applause as a reward for his success. This is done to spur enthusiasm in participating in the game.

2. Read story books together

Reading books can be a fun activity for children who stutter. With this activity, you and your little one will be able to play a lot of words. However, the choice of books for children with this condition needs to be adjusted and the way of telling the story also needs attention.

Choose a book that contains an introduction to various things that are around the child, such as the type of color, the names of objects or animals.

If the book is in the form of a story, there is no rush to convey the contents of the book. You don't have to read the entire story. It is enough to introduce who the characters are, what the characters are doing, or the distinctive sounds of the animals in the book.

3. Ask the child to organize objects with certain categories

The next fun activity for a child who stutters is organizing objects. Collect various objects in the house, such as apples, bananas, candy, balls, dolls, and toy planes into one.

Then, ask the child to name each object and its color. Explain to the child that these objects are food and toys. Then ask your little one to determine which objects fall into the toy and food category.

Things that must be considered by parents

Even though you can practice this activity yourself at home, you still need to work with a doctor or therapist who treats your child's condition. Report any child development that you observe during the activity. So as not to forget, make notes after the activity is carried out.

Apart from responding to every word that your child says, you must speak clearly in your everyday life. Not only when playing games. Take extra time for your little one so you can better observe your child's development. Avoid scolding or interrupting the child's conversation.