commentr/StutterApril 6, 2023

Content

Tbh the worst thing you can do for your kid is be worried that his stutter is a bad thing (unless there’s something bad going on behind the scenes that could be causing the stutter, but it sounds like you’ve checked for that.) Some of us just genetically have it the way that others have brown hair or blue eyes or whatever. My family always made me feel like I was defective for having a stutter, even though I know they had good intentions. But their attitudes messed me up way more than the stutter did (I’m 32F if this provides any context). If you’re worried about your son’s stutter effecting his future, here’s a story. One of my friends (now 38M) is a severe stutterer whose family always wanted to “fix” him and he had to fight that narrative in his head for years, and he thought wouldn’t be successful in life until he was “fixed.” It wasn’t until his 20s when he saw a speech therapist whose approach was about embracing the way he spoke that he was able to gain some self esteem, which helped with his fluency as well. He’s now happily married and works as a director of something or other for a top tech company, and does a lot of work in the disability awareness community. I totally get wanting to help your kid get get picked on less at the playground etc. Speech therapy can be really helpful. But please know a) if your kid has a stutter it will absolutely not effect his ability to have a successful life as long as b) you are supportive and loving of him and don’t view his stutter as a negative thing.

Themes

Parent & CaregiverIdentity & Disability

Subthemes

Home SupportIdentity & Self-PerceptionAcceptance & PrideEarly Concern & Onset