Specific Things You Can Do For The Nonfluent Child

Posted on January 5, 2012. Filed under: Speech Pathology |

Be accepting of any attempt he makes to speak, and to express himself. Accept his “bumpy” speech as it is.
Do not show by any facial expression, attitude, or your manner, that you are not pleased with his way of speaking.
Be interested in what he has to say, and not how he says it. It is not unusual for children to repeat, prolong a sound, or hesitate as they are learning to express their idea. Formulating their thoughts to express an idea clearly, requires a proficiency in the use of out English language. None of us, even as an adult, speaks fluently all of the time. We all have disfluencies in our speech to some extent.
Listen attentively to him when he speaks.
Do not interrupt him when he is talking. Let him feel that he has all the time he needs to say what he wants to say.
Show the child that you love him. He needs to feel secure as a member of the family, and to feel that he “belongs”.
Avoid competition with brothers, sisters and friends. Rather, encourage children to work together, each one making his own contribution. Each child is different, and has his own capabilities.
Make it possible for him to have success in things other than talking, and let him know that you are proud of him. Help him to develop his interests and his abilities.
Remove pressures that keep that child “stirred up”, such as demands for immediate obedience, too rigid discipline, too much restraint, too high standards, and insistence on hurrying.
Read aloud to him frequently. Without realizing it, you are teaching him to talk. He learns new words happily and naturally he enjoys your attention.
Your own manner of speaking will have its effect on the child. If you talk to him quietly and slowly, he will usually become relaxed and feel more sure of himself.
Be consistent in your discipline of the child. Consistent discipline, administered in a firm, but kindly manner helps children develop a feeling of security.
See to it that he has a pleasant, harmonious home situation in which the members of the family do not rush through life, but take time to relax and enjoy themselves, and him.
Be warm and friendly in your relationship with him.