ds1 (3.3) just started to stutter

[snooks]

It's become noticeable during the past 2-3 weeks. It's not every sentence, probably about half and half. He will say the first word of a sentence perhaps about 6-8 times (I think, it seems like more) before it comes out.

My dsis says that my nephew (now 7 and speaking fine) did this around this time (she's not sure when exactly) because of the rush to get words out before brain engaged IYKWIM. I don't know whether to see my HV and get the ball rolling to see a SALT, or to just wait and see.

We have no experience of actual stutters in real life so not sure if this is one, or just another phase of speech. Anyone else had this???

Its actually quite common. They get to the point where they've got so much to say, but their little brains just can't keep up! The trick is not to draw attention to it, otherwise they see it as a game and attention! Personally, I'd leave it for now, but if he's still doing it in a month or two, then get SALT involved. Still young enough not to be a problem imho.

yep v common at age 3 ish.. would keep an eye on it just in case but he'll prob grow out of it. think your sis is right.

Thanks Maureen, that's my instinct. We don't mention it or try to say the word for him because I don't want him to become aware of it or draw attention to it. He's had a lot of changes in the last few weeks (cracked potty-training and he's moved to a single bed from cotbed) so don't know if that's connected? Sometimes I think I analyse too much but I didn't want to just ignore it. Will give it a few weeks of being back in normal routine.

DS1 did this for a while just before Xmas (he is just 3). I just ignored it as it seemed to happen only when he was excited and keen to get his words out. It lasted several weeks but was on and off.
He has stopped doing it now.
Am sure it is nothing to worry about, though of course keep an eye (ear) on it .

I also completely ignored it in front of him as I didnt want him to feel self conscious. Seemed to work for us. HTH

X-posts Molly, thanks, I think you're right. It seems to have started from nowhere!

Sigh, with Number 1 there's always something new to worry about (never worry about ds2!!)

Pannacotta, that's good to hear It does seem to be when he's excited..... but then not always . Will keep ear/eye on it. We ignore it totally too.

Agree with the above-we had exactly this with my DD1 (now nearly 13.. eek when did THAT happen??!)

I checked with a friend who is a childrens speech therapist & she said it's VERY common in pre-schoolers & as others have said just give them time & encourage lots of talking & don't draw attention to it FWIW my DD1 was very soon a non-stop natterer & still is!

As you say he's had a lot of changes in the last few weeks, bless him, then Christmas etc his poor little noddle is in overdrive I should think!!

I reckon it's all connected. He's becoming a big boy, so the attention is off him so much now. He's cracked the potty thing, so no need to praise as much and he's in a big bed, so the excitement is going out of that too. I'm sure it'll disappear as quickly as it started.

Thanks all, it's lovely to have your reassurance It is my instinct that it's yet another phase. Maybe it is all the changes, he's started waking up at night a couple of times too (could almost rely on him sleeping if not ds2 ) but only wants his daddy which I don't mind at 3am.... All of a sudden he doesn't seem the little mummy's boy he used to be.

snooks he sounds just like my DS1, he has also started waking up in the middle of the night (since we had DS2) and climbing into our bed and cuddling up to DH...

It is nice to not be TOTALLY in demand isn't it (especially at night ), ds2 is a devoted mummy's boy instead (at the moment anyway...)

yes its great, esp as I breastfed DS1 for 2 years so it is nice that he can go his daddy now!